Quotiddlywinks

[bunrab]

As threatened, we ate at the Crab Shanty on Friday, then came home and watched the DVD of "Pirates of the Caribbean." We have played the music from that in several band concerts now - it's got a great baritone sax part! - and so we wanted to see what it was like. Pretty funny, and the music was as good in the film as it was in the 7-minute medley.

Sunday evening, band concert in Bel Air. They have a nice band shell - the Humbert Amphitheatre, officially - but what we really needed was a stiff breeze, which we didn't get. Scott let his granddaughter conduct for a bit - she's a year old or so, I think...

Progress is being made on the animal front. I got a cooling tile and a locking crock food dish for the new chins, since they had managed to dislodge their old food bin from the nest of wire their previous keeper had fastened it with, and throw it down several levels of cage, noisily, late at night. They sure love timothy hay, and it is so much fun to watch them eat it with their little hands holding it!

Rehearsal this evening was rather lacking in air conditioning, leading to a certain lack of energy on the part of most of us.

Tomorrow's agenda: rip up carpet.

Comments

conductors not making sense

[evilsithlady.livejournal.com]

Heat has always made it difficult for me to concentrate on my playing, and I did it for a living. I have always wondered why conductors expect ANYONE to play where there is NO AC, especially people who are NOT getting paid to do so. But, hey, that's me...I've often expected conductors to make sense, much to my own peril! LOL

Re: conductors not making sense

[bunrab.livejournal.com]

I've always figured the concert-in-the-park deal is just one of the facts of life of community band members. It's something we do in exchange for the city funding, the rehearsal space, the use of someone else's percussion equipment... and also, let's face it, the free outdoor concerts are where community bands get our largest audiences; far more people will come to hear us in a park, where they can bring the dogs, and the kids can run around, and they can drink soda and eat sandwiches while they listen, than will come into a dark auditorium. And since we don't get paid in money, audience applause is our only payment, then we want those audiences!

And besides, although it was hot, it wasn't as hot as Texas, and there were far fewer insects, both the background kind that hum and the flying kind that you inhale accidentally while taking a quick breath. The cicadas in Austin could drown out the entire flute section.

And I've never expected conductors to make sense. To count, yes. To notice meter changes, yes. To make sense, no.

Re: conductors not making sense

[(Anonymous)]

True... though even counting and noticing meter changes are two things that usually are bonuses! ;-)

P.

Re: conductors not making sense

[evilsithlady.livejournal.com]

Sorry. I forgot to log in before I commented! :(

Anyhow... I've played in some community bands, in addition to my pro work. It's how people get listened to when they're younger, and trying to get themselves out there. Music teachers like to keep their chops up, also. But usually more for the social interaction than anything else. Some groups play some good stuff, though. IT varies from place to place. Sounds like you've found a great group. I checked out your website; nicely done and some great links.

I didn't want you to think I didn't like community bands; I think they're great! IT's good to see them making a comeback!

P.