June 2, 2007
The band is taking shape and promises to be the
largest ever. And the best, too, of course! So if
you have not signed up yet, please e-mail now and I
will reserve your place in the band ahead of the horses.
Click on that link to get to a page of sound clips for
examples of all the music in our repertoire. It's a
chance to become familiar with the music and even
practice along with most of it.
Our esteemed Music Director, Greg Barker, and our
steamed conductor, Maestro Stinky Peugh, have at last agreed
on the program for the parade and concert, subject to change without notice, of course.
The parade program will cycle through the following: Battle Hymn of the Republic,
America the Beautiful, and All Hail, Geneva! But be alert for an occasional insert
from the concert list or our special rendition of Happy Birthday when called for.
The intent is to keep the parade music simple and save our chops and our breath
for the concert, when we will have a chance to be heard at our most musical.
The concert program is expected to be as follows:
1) The Star-Spangled Banner
2) Main Street America
3) Battle Hymn of the Republic
4) All Hail, Geneva! - (2x to get them singing?)
5) America the Beautiful
6) The Billboard March - (Start very slowly and speed up to warp 9.5)
7) God Bless America
Encore: Danny Boy
Our big moment at the picnic is always leading the crowd in The Star-Spangled Banner,
and I don't think there's ever been a more exciting arrangement of it than ours. Most of
the pieces on the list must be taken seriously, of course, but we can have fun with Geneva
and Billboard. Danny Boy will be a new, improved arrangement and should sound great,
but if Stinky holds the last note and forgets to cut us off, we are likely to run out of breath
and fall down (if it isn't raining like last year).
If an entertainer can be found (soon) who knows how to "put over a song," we might
add Row Row Row (Way Up The River) to the program. Any referrals or volunteers?
Here's how Eddie Cantor and Jimmy Durante did it in 1947:
And some good news: GGGAMB will once again be handing out coupons for free food
(hamburger or hot dog) and a drink to its musicians and auxiliary! Just one little benefit
to add to the fun you will have and the memories you will treasure of the holiday.
So let me know to expect you on the 4th of July, keep practicing, and keep recruiting!
Remember, every member of the band is important. No one is too bad or too old or
too sweaty, so no excuses. We'll all be bad and old and sweaty before it's over.
GGGAMB Rocks!*
(*Subject to verification)
The band is taking shape and promises to be the
largest ever. And the best, too, of course! So if
you have not signed up yet, please e-mail now and I
will reserve your place in the band ahead of the horses.
Click on that link to get to a page of sound clips for
examples of all the music in our repertoire. It's a
chance to become familiar with the music and even
practice along with most of it.
Our esteemed Music Director, Greg Barker, and our
steamed conductor, Maestro Stinky Peugh, have at last agreed
on the program for the parade and concert, subject to change without notice, of course.
The parade program will cycle through the following: Battle Hymn of the Republic,
America the Beautiful, and All Hail, Geneva! But be alert for an occasional insert
from the concert list or our special rendition of Happy Birthday when called for.
The intent is to keep the parade music simple and save our chops and our breath
for the concert, when we will have a chance to be heard at our most musical.
The concert program is expected to be as follows:
1) The Star-Spangled Banner
2) Main Street America
3) Battle Hymn of the Republic
4) All Hail, Geneva! - (2x to get them singing?)
5) America the Beautiful
6) The Billboard March - (Start very slowly and speed up to warp 9.5)
7) God Bless America
Encore: Danny Boy
Our big moment at the picnic is always leading the crowd in The Star-Spangled Banner,
and I don't think there's ever been a more exciting arrangement of it than ours. Most of
the pieces on the list must be taken seriously, of course, but we can have fun with Geneva
and Billboard. Danny Boy will be a new, improved arrangement and should sound great,
but if Stinky holds the last note and forgets to cut us off, we are likely to run out of breath
and fall down (if it isn't raining like last year).
If an entertainer can be found (soon) who knows how to "put over a song," we might
add Row Row Row (Way Up The River) to the program. Any referrals or volunteers?
Here's how Eddie Cantor and Jimmy Durante did it in 1947:
And some good news: GGGAMB will once again be handing out coupons for free food
(hamburger or hot dog) and a drink to its musicians and auxiliary! Just one little benefit
to add to the fun you will have and the memories you will treasure of the holiday.
So let me know to expect you on the 4th of July, keep practicing, and keep recruiting!
Remember, every member of the band is important. No one is too bad or too old or
too sweaty, so no excuses. We'll all be bad and old and sweaty before it's over.
GGGAMB Rocks!*
(*Subject to verification)
NEWSLETTER 07B