June 21, 2008
UNTIL THE BIG DAY!
I just returned from the final 4th of July planning
meeting at the Community Center. It's nice to get
the star treatment. I was the first one called upon
to report, and told them that the band would be about
the size it was the first three years, and not as huge as
the 4th and 5th seasons. They said they'd settle for
quality over quantity, if they can't have both.
Of course, the band always grows larger in the days
(and minutes) before the parade begins. Unexpected
guest artistes and flag wavers are always welcome, and
there are still quite a few on the roster from last year who have not responded.
Here is the confirmed instrumentation list as of this date:
1 Piccolo 4 Trumpet 0 Snare Drum
0 Flute 1 Horn 1 Bass Drum
2 Clarinet 0 Trombone 1 Cymbals
2 Alto Sax 3 Euphonium 3 Banner and Flags
2 Tenor Sax 3 tuba 1 Water Wagon
We've lost our great flute section and most of the percussion. Our trombone section is usually 76
short of a world's record, but we've never been without any at all. By the way, the band owns a
flute and two marching snare drums, if anyone needs an instrument.
As I said, the numbers will increase before show time. In fact, three new prospects appeared this
morning that aren't on the list. But if you think you might participate, or you're sure you won't, it
would help to hear from you. Same thing if you might bring friends. (Please do!)
NEW BUSINESS:
It has been the custom to provide the band with food and drink coupons, but it will be slightly
different this year. Our benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous for whatever his/her
reasons may be, has donated new, uncirculated presidential dollar coins. Participants will be
given two of the coins to use toward the purchase of the midday meal, or to spend or save as
they wish. (I'm sorry that $2 is not enough to supersize your food order.)
There are only enough coins for the first 37 who arrive, but if others can be recruited to join the
band or auxiliary, it would be worth a bounty of $2 a head from the contingency fund to assure a
more impressive show. So be sure to check in with me when you arrive for the rehearsal to get
your coins and any music you need, whether a full set or just this year's new piece, Zip-A-Dee
Doo-Dah, from Song Of The South--a film that Disney might release on DVD soon, after 40
years of obscurity.
I will send another newsletter before the 4th of July with a map and any last-minute details.
Keep practicing.
Thanks!
Richard Simonton
UNTIL THE BIG DAY!
I just returned from the final 4th of July planning
meeting at the Community Center. It's nice to get
the star treatment. I was the first one called upon
to report, and told them that the band would be about
the size it was the first three years, and not as huge as
the 4th and 5th seasons. They said they'd settle for
quality over quantity, if they can't have both.
Of course, the band always grows larger in the days
(and minutes) before the parade begins. Unexpected
guest artistes and flag wavers are always welcome, and
there are still quite a few on the roster from last year who have not responded.
Here is the confirmed instrumentation list as of this date:
1 Piccolo 4 Trumpet 0 Snare Drum
0 Flute 1 Horn 1 Bass Drum
2 Clarinet 0 Trombone 1 Cymbals
2 Alto Sax 3 Euphonium 3 Banner and Flags
2 Tenor Sax 3 tuba 1 Water Wagon
We've lost our great flute section and most of the percussion. Our trombone section is usually 76
short of a world's record, but we've never been without any at all. By the way, the band owns a
flute and two marching snare drums, if anyone needs an instrument.
As I said, the numbers will increase before show time. In fact, three new prospects appeared this
morning that aren't on the list. But if you think you might participate, or you're sure you won't, it
would help to hear from you. Same thing if you might bring friends. (Please do!)
NEW BUSINESS:
It has been the custom to provide the band with food and drink coupons, but it will be slightly
different this year. Our benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous for whatever his/her
reasons may be, has donated new, uncirculated presidential dollar coins. Participants will be
given two of the coins to use toward the purchase of the midday meal, or to spend or save as
they wish. (I'm sorry that $2 is not enough to supersize your food order.)
There are only enough coins for the first 37 who arrive, but if others can be recruited to join the
band or auxiliary, it would be worth a bounty of $2 a head from the contingency fund to assure a
more impressive show. So be sure to check in with me when you arrive for the rehearsal to get
your coins and any music you need, whether a full set or just this year's new piece, Zip-A-Dee
Doo-Dah, from Song Of The South--a film that Disney might release on DVD soon, after 40
years of obscurity.
I will send another newsletter before the 4th of July with a map and any last-minute details.
Keep practicing.
Thanks!
Richard Simonton
NEWSLETTER 08C