Thank you, Ian Vlahović, for watching NYC Arts on PBS last evening. Because of this, Ian saw a major advertisement for Caramoor and tomorrow night’s concert in particular! Watch this the archived video here. Fast forward to 13:00 for the spot about Caramoor, 13:40 for the mention of WSW!

I’ve updated the rehearsal plan for tonight, allowing for more than enough time for each run through. Remember there is no intermission on Saturday, so we won’t take a formal break tonight either. I will try to keep things moving to keep us on — or ahead of — schedule. Plan ahead for the inserted measure rest and ‘stand up’ portion of Stars & Stripes, and if you haven’t already checked your memorization of that final strain, please do so in time for rehearsal.

Although we don’t have to set up from scratch tonight, we will have to tear down afterwards. This is our final rehearsal of the season, so there will be end-of-season announcements (including library) in addition to final Caramoor info.

See you tonight!

We have two rehearsals this week, Monday (working) and Wednesday (dress). On Monday evening I need to get these head counts:

• Names of WSW members who require a vegetarian or Gluten-free meal
• Names of WSW members who need “early exit parking,” because you do not intend to stay for the fireworks
• Approximate count of total number of cars to be parked (early or regular exit)

From Tim Coffey at Caramoor: This year’s dinner menu includes: Panko Fried Chicken, Black Bean Cakes with a side of Avocado Cream, Watermelon Mint Feta Salad, Macaroni Salad, Green Beans, Caesar Salad, Bread and Butter, and Apple Pie. Sounds delicious!

The rehearsal order for Monday is posted, along with Saturday’s schedule at Caramoor. Wednesday’s full dress rehearsal will be in program order, with as few stops as possible.

Thanks again to everyone who made the Exchange weekend run smoothly and musically. Enjoy this beautiful weekend — but don’t forget to practice!

First, thank you for a hard-working rehearsal Monday night. July 2 is very close. Please do make time for focused practice before next Monday.

I’ll be writing with more specifics about the next rehearsal, but I had to pass this on. I’ve learned that Paul Rosenblum has announced his retirement from Caramoor late in 2017. Paul was the key figure in inviting us in 2014 (after bumping into Dan Harrison in the A&P), and instrumental in our continuing participation there as well. The Caramoor press release even mentions us:

It was he who created Caramoor’s Independence Day “Pops, Patriots and Fireworks” concert, now a beloved annual tradition in collaboration with the Westchester Symphonic Winds,  .  .  .

We are a beloved annual tradition! Wow! This is a major milestone!

Thank you for all the dedicated individual work and sacrifices which have given us this notoriety. This is truly amazing.

More later in the week.