June 27, 2009
THE BAND, BUT WERE AFRAID MIGHT REALLY BE TRUE!
To the Geneva Citizens Association:
It gives me great pleasure to inform you that your
worst fears have been realized. The band has 46
members so far and will certainly exceed 50 by the
4th of July. Please widen the parade route to
accommodate. Yours sincerely,
Commissioner of Marching Bands
To all members of The Greater Geneva Grande
Award Marching Band--old, new, and middle aged:
Yes, it's true. It's a very large band, possibly the largest
in our seven-year history if several more join or show up
unannounced. (Music has been reserved for those of you
who signed up. I have printed, trimmed, and sorted
1256 pieces of music. Is that enough?)
Not just large, but well balanced. The sections have
filled out nicely, with no less than one of everything.
Unique this year is our saxophone section, with horns
in four different sizes! And our star drummer is back
to lead the percussion section with roll-offs, marching cadences,
and whatever else drummers do when no one is looking.
So thanks to all of you for your enthusiastic support in bringing the band to life again!
Now most of you already know the routine, so here it is again:
That's all I can think of to say about the procedure, except to have fun. It's the only reason we
do this. Band Spirit makes the heat and humidity bearable (almost), and makes the audience love
us. (And they really do!)
And if you are practicing in advance, remember that The Music will take you to sound bites of
some of our repertoire. I suggest listening to Main Street America especially.
One last thing: It looks like the band's bass drum is available, if anyone knows a bass drummer
who needs a 4th of July gig, or just someone who has always dreamed of bass drumming. (This
is Geneva, where dreams come true.) The band's cymbals and clarinet and flute might also be
available. Inquire.
And another last thing: dress to be cool and comfortable. Festive is good, too, if possible.
See you next Saturday! Give it your best shot. It's only a step from here to Macy's, then the
Rose Parade! (Yes, I know that some of you have already done Macy's. You're going the
wrong way.)
Richard
THE BAND, BUT WERE AFRAID MIGHT REALLY BE TRUE!
To the Geneva Citizens Association:
It gives me great pleasure to inform you that your
worst fears have been realized. The band has 46
members so far and will certainly exceed 50 by the
4th of July. Please widen the parade route to
accommodate. Yours sincerely,
Commissioner of Marching Bands
To all members of The Greater Geneva Grande
Award Marching Band--old, new, and middle aged:
Yes, it's true. It's a very large band, possibly the largest
in our seven-year history if several more join or show up
unannounced. (Music has been reserved for those of you
who signed up. I have printed, trimmed, and sorted
1256 pieces of music. Is that enough?)
Not just large, but well balanced. The sections have
filled out nicely, with no less than one of everything.
Unique this year is our saxophone section, with horns
in four different sizes! And our star drummer is back
to lead the percussion section with roll-offs, marching cadences,
and whatever else drummers do when no one is looking.
So thanks to all of you for your enthusiastic support in bringing the band to life again!
Now most of you already know the routine, so here it is again:
- Click on The Map for the schedule and directions.
- Please try to be ready to play at 9 AM. A large band like this needs at least an hour to
rehearse (67 minutes to be precise) in order to assure a flawless performance. - When you arrive at the hall behind the Methodist Church, find me (Richard) at the sign-in
table near the entrance. It's not necessary to register, but I will have a set of music to give
you, or any pieces to add if you've kept your music from previous years. - I will also give you your food and drink coupons, good for a drink and either a hot dog or
hamburger (not a platter) at the food stand after our concert. - Concert? Yes, after the parade, which begins and ends at the Baptist Church, we can stop
by the rehearsal hall at the Methodist Church for a very short break before walking or
driving to the festival at the Community Center for our concert. - Remember that the band opens the program by playing The Star-Spangled Banner, so we
must be ready to go at 11:30. Then we remain in place until given the signal to begin our
concert, which usually lasts about 15 minutes. - Then suddenly it's all over, and we suffer from opening night letdown and end of season
blues at the same time. Those with any perspiration left might enjoy staying awhile. There
will be things to see and do, including games for kids and adults. Have you ever pitched a
cow chip into a toilet? (Where have you been all your life?) Well, now's your chance. - SPEAKING OF PERSPIRATION (AKA: SWEAT), I will be pulling the water wagon this
year. I'm too timid to force drinks of water down people's throats, as Gunga Dad usually
does, so I have purchased a closeout lot of bottle lanyards for the first 36 who grab them.
Don't let "Corona Extra" that's printed on them fool you. The bottles I'll be giving out
contain only spring water. I hope to have enough bottles of water for everyone, if not
enough lanyards. Please drink lots of water, but paramedics will be standing by just in case.
That's all I can think of to say about the procedure, except to have fun. It's the only reason we
do this. Band Spirit makes the heat and humidity bearable (almost), and makes the audience love
us. (And they really do!)
And if you are practicing in advance, remember that The Music will take you to sound bites of
some of our repertoire. I suggest listening to Main Street America especially.
One last thing: It looks like the band's bass drum is available, if anyone knows a bass drummer
who needs a 4th of July gig, or just someone who has always dreamed of bass drumming. (This
is Geneva, where dreams come true.) The band's cymbals and clarinet and flute might also be
available. Inquire.
And another last thing: dress to be cool and comfortable. Festive is good, too, if possible.
See you next Saturday! Give it your best shot. It's only a step from here to Macy's, then the
Rose Parade! (Yes, I know that some of you have already done Macy's. You're going the
wrong way.)
Richard
NEWSLETTER 09D