This weekend's music

What a great musical weekend!  Started out with RCJ and the final spring appearance at the Waupaca Ale House.  We played well, held true to everything we have been rehearsing.  It was an enjoyable night.  I like the Ale House, it is a great place.  Next time we play there will be post-Europe.

Saturday, we had a great rehearsal.  We played through many charts, using the time to clean up picky rhythms and settle tempos.  We also worked on swing, and the simple fact that the band does rush the swing feel.  Ron DeVillers was right, it is a hard thing to feel if you do not grow up listening to it.  Most in the band - myself included - grew up listening to rock, so the swing feel is not the best musical skill we have.  Well, at least give us credit for trying.

Sunday was a trip to Appleton, to see and hear Steve play on the Appleton production of "Legally Blonde". The orchestra was great, very aware of parts, very strong and independent.  I was very happy for him, and the whole orchestra.

This weeks goals are to work on soloing, growling, playing more aggressively, and working on swing with the metronome.  And get a run or 4 in this week.

I'm glad I have a husband again!

LL

Great weekend of music

Had a great practice session today.  Played along with the David Sanborn play-alongs, first on alto then on tenor.  I was comfortable on both, and enjoyed playing along with the CD.

Sitting in on the pit orchestra of Legally Blonde was also a great treat.  I got to listen acoustically, even though the musicians were listening to each other through an Axiom system.  I have to admit, it was strange sitting inbetween a keyboard and guitar and I could barely hear both - I had to listen through the house PA.  I could follow the score, and I could hear the horn section, perc. and bass player, so musically it made sense to me.  Very enjoyable and educational.

LL

Polio Plus Logos

It's been a while....

since my last post.  Mostly, I am continuing to work on tone, and relaxation when playing.  Focusing on playing the best solo I can in the short measures I have has also been on the table.  I have many solos that are 12-24 bars long, and high impact.  Not my best area, so I am working on a quick build, and solid end, with energy in all the way through.

This weekend will be interesting.  I get to sit with the Pit orchestra of "Legally Blonde"  They use an Avion system for visual communication and audio.  I am curious to see how it works.

A weekend of RCJ

Wow... nice time this weekend.  Started with a fund-raising concert at the Wisconsin Rapids Performing Arts Center in Wisconsin Rapids.  The band played well, and many of the playing demons of today are slowly getting scared away.  Soloist were good - there were obvious mistakes, but our soloists worked on stretching out, and trying new ideas - all important concepts in soloing.

Saturday was the 2nd 6 hour rehearsal.  We worked on little things that make the band sparkle, like unifying rhythms and phrases.  While there is still work to do, much has been accomplished.

LL

Back in the swing

Practiced Duke Ellington standards tonight.... on a new reed, slightly different set up, with more body.  It takes a little more effort, but it is also more stable in terms of tone and intonation....

Got to start the rock thing again....

LL