Category Archives: Band

At long Last: Returning to Music Performance

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Gandalfe

After a 25 year break in music performance, I returned to my roots. I purchased an alto saxophone, joined a band, and started taking lessons. First thing I noticed is that I was a horrible sight reader, something that is … Continue reading →

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Por Une Cabeza

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Gandalfe

At our last dance performance my wife Suzy put down her tenor sax, picked up a clarinet, and joined Lauren on the stage for this lovely duet. So many happy dancers, such a nice arrangement. I heard another band doing … Continue reading →

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That One Crazy Gig – Take 50

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Gandalfe

Our first gig of the year turned out to be both lucrative and interesting. It was billed as a birthday party for one of the couples who love and support our band. It was to take place the week after … Continue reading →

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The Royal Room ~ Seattle

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Gandalfe

My big band, the Seattle Solid Gold, performed at the Royal Room in Seattle this week. No, really! It was in South Seattle which can be a sketchy part of town. Parking was … well, let’s just say challenging. But … Continue reading →

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1915 Catalogue Band Instruments

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Gandalfe

What a lovely discovery from the Woodwind Forum. The actual PDF is located at https://memory.loc.gov/service/gdc/scd0001/2012/20121120001ca/20121120001ca.pdf

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The Music World: Should I, Could I Be a Part of It?

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Gandalfe

“I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well.” ~ J.S. Bach Friend: Hey Jim.  Based in large part on your enthusiasm, I plan to drive over to Spokane on Thursday to horse trade for … Continue reading →

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Music: This is why we do it.

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

So many lovely bandee friends in this one. Fab trombone (Ron) and tenor sax (Ian Basques-Jellison) solos. And of course Robin Hilt killin’ it on the vocal. And me, well I just lovin’ the bari sax hits in this arrangement. … Continue reading →

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Funding a Nonprofit Music Organization

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Gandalfe

Future public education will require involvement and collaboration among various local, civic, private and nonprofit entities, a concept I like to refer to as ‘community entrepreneurship.’ ~ Donald Bren Running a nonprofit, such as a community band, can be a … Continue reading →

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Playing, Performing, Entertaining

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Gandalfe

Terry Stibal penned this in 2011 in the Woodwind Forum. He has now passed on, but his writings live on. This is a pet peeve of mine. I know a lot of folks who can do the first, significantly fewer … Continue reading →

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Smartmusic: Increase Your Concert Attendance and Community Support

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

By Glenn Pohland Have you ever wished that more of your teaching colleagues would attend your concerts? Wouldn’t it be nice if they could hear and see what your students are capable of?  How might you get more of your … Continue reading →

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