I want to start this post by recognizing that we’ve all been through a lot in the last couple years. Just when you think it can’t get worse, it does. We are all dealing with overlapping pandemics of different health, social, economic, and civic natures, and this past week was especially difficult for many people.

It is at a time like this that we be especially mindful of the good we can do in our capacity as a respected American community band. We have an unequaled opportunity over the coming week to inspire and motivate 1800 audience members at this Independence Day celebration to think, to feel, to weigh, to envision, and to be a power for good. I hope you will keep this in mind as you practice, prepare, and rehearse with us on Monday and Wednesday, working together to cultivate the best performance possible as we close out our 2021-2022 season on Saturday.

The rehearsal plan is posted. Please remember again to complete the health screening form before coming to TMH. If you have not yet completed the the 2022-2023 Personnel Commitment Form, please do so by Monday (you should also have received a reminder from David Church). Check the Caramoor website as needed for directions, parking info, etc.

Be safe and enjoy this beautiful day.

Thanks to everyone for a very productive rehearsal last night. Special thanks go out to Daniella and Björn for joining us for the Sondheim songs, and to Allan and Nathan for joining our ranks for these last rehearsals and performance.

As I mentioned last night, Karina has offered us access to free tickets to the classical piano concert tonight by Kristina Marinova. Click the graphic above for more information, and email Nancy at members@tarrytownmusichall.org to reserve tickets.

Karina is also looking for talented high school and college age students to participate in the Music Hall Academy production of The Wedding Singer from July 25 to August 6. Scholarships are available. Click here for more info – please share this with your colleagues in theater.

Good morning, everyone! Yes, I know I’m posting this exceptionally early in the week, but I’m off to the city today for an honor band festival through Sunday, and I don’t want this to get lost in the shuffle. I won’t be sending another post before Monday, so please log this as your official weekly reminder for Monday, June 20.

Successful rehearsal at Port Chester

I must send a big thank you to everyone who followed us to Port Chester for the rehearsal at the Knights of Columbus. The room’s acoustics were much better than expected (I appreciate all the positive feedback), and we got a tremendous amount done. For now, White Plains HS will continue to be our primary alternate site, but the board will discuss the viability of making the Knights of Columbus our Plan C venue.

This Monday at TMH with stand-in soloists

The rehearsal plan for Monday is already posted. Daniella and Björn will be joining us to stand in for Chrissy and Thomas, to help us move the three Sondheim selections forward. Three other works, as noted, will be rehearsed as well.

Final push

Our remaining rehearsals are on June 20 and June 27, and the dress rehearsal is on Wednesday, June 29. Our performance at Caramoor on July 2 is really close, so please make every attempt to attend all of these remaining rehearsals.

We’re also coming close to the deadline for personnel/commitment responses for next season. Thanks to the 33 members and subs who have completed it so far. Please complete the form if you have not yet done so. And please continue to complete the health screening form as well before every rehearsal.

Rehearsal Monday at 7:30 pm at Knights of Columbus in Port Chester

After Plans A, B, and C fell through, we are confirmed to rehearse at the Knights of Columbus in Port Chester on Monday evening. Next week we will return to TMH.

• Address for GPS – 327 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY 10573. See embedded map below.
• Access from MetroNorth – The KoC is about a 9 minute walk from the Port Chester Metro North station
• Parking – There is no parking lot, but street parking is available in the immediate area. Please allow a little extra time to park if you are not familiar with the area.
• IMPORTANT! Bring a music stand! There are no music stands at the KoC!
• Chairs – Chairs are provided on site.
• Brass – Please bring a towel, doggie pad, or paper towels to empty your water keys.
• Entrance – Use the front doors.
• Percussion – The site has no percussion. After some consideration, I’ve decided to just dismiss percussion from this rehearsal. I’ll record the rehearsal and post it for those who would like to review it.
• COVID screening form – Yes, we all need to continue to complete this every Monday before rehearsal.
• 2022-2023 Personnel/Commitment Form – 26 members have completed the form so far. If you have not yet, please do so as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, June 27.
• Rehearsal plan – Final rehearsal plan will be posted on Monday. Please be ready to rehearse any/all works on the program.

I’m very grateful to Marianne Lepre-Nolan for helping us to solidify this alternate site, Marge Hone for managing all the required insurance paperwork, and Kathy Davis for continuing to be our advocate for use of facilities at White Plains High School and Highlands Middle School, which will serve as our primary alternate sites next season.