Tomorrow evening is our first working rehearsal on the first half of the program: Bach, Ticheli, and Bernstein. See the rehearsal plan here. Please be sure that you have written in the asymmetrical meter notes for the Bernstein into your parts, to help facilitate that part of the rehearsal. Next week will be devoted completely to Carmina Burana (and maybe a little Bernstein, as needed).

Rachel Eckhaus pointed out that WQXR is having an musical instrument donation drive, to benefit the instrumental music programs of the New York City public schools. Click here for more information. It looks like a well-run, viable program, run in concert with Sam Ash, who will be donating a repair team to work on instruments which need it.

In case you’re interested, I’ve given up winter for Lent.

See you tomorrow evening.

We are good to go for this evening at TMH. (Herkos – this means we’re really having rehearsal tonight.)

See you all then.

I can’t believe there’s more snow forecast Sunday into Monday. For now, we are “go” for rehearsal Monday evening at 7:30 pm at TMH. We will make a final decision to confirm or cancel by 3 pm on Monday. Cross your fingers, do your anti-snow dance, promise to take Yeti to lunch — anything so we don’t get the 9-12″ currently forecast.

Meanwhile, our rehearsal plan is posted for Monday.

I also shared the November recording of Capriccio with Frank Gulino, and he wrote immediately. I just had to share this with you.

I just listened to this. I can’t tell you how impressed I am!

Curt – The band sounds great. Musical, refined, balanced. The brass projects well without cutting too much, the woodwinds blend with each other better than in most bands I’ve ever heard, and all of the musicians in the group seem to follow your musical ideas very well. The tempos are precisely what I had in mind when I wrote the piece, and I just love your approach and the group’s support of the soloist. Speaking of the soloist . . .

Tony – Wow. You sound terrific! The sound is so clear, so even, and has just enough brilliance to make the big moments really wonderful. Clarity in the high range, great legato playing, and a pure sound — all the characteristics I want to hear in a trombone soloist. Is this the Courtois? If it is, I think you’ve found your horn. Might be time to call Christan Griego and tell him you’re a Courtois man now 😉

Also some kudos to the recording guy! Recordings don’t come out this well by accident.

Seriously, bravo guys. Hope to have the opportunity to work with both of you again soon!

Best,
Frank

You continue to impress audiences and the composers themselves. Congratulations on this impressive work. I continue to be so proud to have the opportunity to work with you!