I am still in Florida, as I write this. The weekend (since Wednesday) has actually gone rather smoothly with only a few bumps along the way.

I have updated the Rehearsal This Week page. Expect to work on all 7 pieces each week until the Convention.

In addition, we will hand out three new pieces on Monday night, so you can begin to  look at them for the May cycle.

Tomorrow night is the last of the conflict nights with the children’s drama group (pun intended). Please arrive at 7:30 pm, at which time we gain access to the hall. The Board authorized the money necessary to have TMH staff move the equipment back from the Annex — we only have to set it up. We want to set up and start rehearsing by 8:00 pm, if not sooner. Please be prepared to stay until 10:00 pm to make up the lost time (if you come by Metro North and have to leave in order to make the train, please leave when you have to — I understand.)

I’ve posted the rehearsal order for Monday night on the Rehearsal This Week page. Please double-check it because I did make one change. Be prepared for another solid night of rehearsal on the Bernstein, both movements!

I’ve created that Google Doc questionnaire I promised for the personnel listing and travel arrangements for the ACB Convention. Everyone please click here to fill out and submit the form. (Note that it will open in a new page in your browser.) If possible, please do this before Monday night; it’s quick and painless.

See you tomorrow night, ready to rock ‘n roll!

Well, it certainly was an afternoon full of surprises. I must first thank Ed & Michelle Herko for their kind and highly personal gesture in endowing the Conductor’s Chair in the name of my teacher and mentor, John P. Paynter. I can’t imagine a more significant expression of support than this. As I tried to say, I am both humbled and challenged by this endowment, and I will endeavor to do everything possible to honor this gift appropriately. Thank you.

The concert itself had some wonderful moments that were exceptional. There were also some curious moments along the way. I will try to cover both ends of the spectrum and invite your input when we meet tomorrow night.

Please go to the New Music page, then type in the password which protects the page — wsw1248 — then select the PDF for your part. Please be sure to scroll to the specific page of your part, and print only that range of pages! Don’t click Print before you’ve chosen the range of pages (so you don’t print them all), and I also suggest you select “Shrink to fit” if possible. Don’t forget to tape the pages together as well, so you don’t have a “wardrobe malfunction” with your music onstage.

If you don’t have access to download/print these parts, or if this is outside your comfort range, email me directly, and I’ll be sure to bring a part for you.

Thanks again for a great day — see you tomorrow night at 7:30 pm at TMH. Click here for the rehearsal plan.