First, thank you for the kind birthday wishes and cake/cupcakes last week. It was very kind and much appreciated!

We’re down to three working rehearsals for our amazing February 28 concert. This Monday, we’re back home at TMH. As usual, the rehearsal plan is posted.

Brian Worsdale, our guest conductor, has encountered a conflict that has nothing to do with Monday, but the domino effect now requires him to be in Brooklyn to rehearse his Grand Street Community Band this Monday. So our conductor exchange is canceled, and I’ll be on hand at TMH this Monday. I’ll work on Elixir (with more credibility than our rushed run-through last week) and Brian will defer his rehearsal to Wednesday, February 24. He will also be on hand at the dress rehearsal on February 27.

Enjoy the Super Bowl, see you on Monday.

I’m writing early this week, because I have an honor band gig up in Dutchess County this weekend, and I want to stay on track. (Actually, Shelley Axelson will be there with me, conducting one of the other ensembles!) I’ve updated the Rehearsal Plan for Monday. Remember that we are back at White Plains High School one more week.

With one concert down, we have 4 concerts remaining this season — the next one is only 4 rehearsals + dress away. And ticket sales are critical for each and every one.

• TMH concerts: Winter (February 28) and Spring (May 14) – Please promote the Friends & Family $10 tickets (half-price). Rachel will have more on hand this Monday. The tickets are good for either TMH concert. This was very successful in the Fall — keep the energy moving forward! We have asked every member to sell at least 6 F&F tickets this season. Many members completed that quota for the Fall concert, but don’t stop now! We are also looking to sell tickets for May and June as patrons walk out of TMH in February and May. We need volunteers — so please help us recruit some friends and family to assist.
• Exchange Concert at The Palace Theatre (June 19) – Selling tickets for this concert is absolutely essential to our financial stability this season. Ticket prices have been set, and we’ll have information about our sales strategy to share at an upcoming rehearsal.
• Caramoor Concert – You may have noticed the full-page devoted to July 2 on the Caramoor site, which launched this week. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday. Yes, this past Tuesday. I inquired and got a coupon code for us (20% again, because it’s a Saturday night), and I will share this with you on Monday at rehearsal.

As promised, here is the information David Moore shared regarding the WQXR amateur musicians contest:

WQXR is currently looking for the best amateur classical musicians to step into the spotlight and compete for the title of Top Classical Music Moonlighter. Vocalists, instrumentalists, and chamber ensembles will have the opportunity to perform at the finals in front of a live audience and industry-leading judges at The Greene Space in May. The cream of that crop will then go on to perform a winners’ concert at Lincoln Center’s Rubenstein Atrium. Deadline for applicants is 2/15/16.
The caveat, from the official rules: Artists who are professionally represented (under management) are not eligible to compete, nor are employees of NYPR, their immediate family members, or anyone living in their same household. See http://wqxr.org/moonlighters for more details.

Have a great weekend. See you Monday at WPHS!