Category Archives: Band

Big Band Book System ~ Take 4.5

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Gandalfe

Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them. ~ Paul Hawken Today I was spending another two hours putting the solo tenor … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, Books, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, MJJO, Tips and Tricks | Leave a comment

Pricing your Band ~ A Lesson in Economics

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Gandalfe

My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time. ~ Steve Jobs I have been running the Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra for approaching 12 years. Three to … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, FAQ, Guides, My World, Quote | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Finding that *Perfect* Community Band

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Gandalfe

I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Community, FAQ, Guides, WCB | Tagged | 1 Comment

Guide to Late Bloomers ~ Returning to Music Performance

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Gandalfe

“If I were to begin life again, I would devote it to music. It is the only cheap and unpunished rapture upon earth.” ~ Sydney Smith Baby boomers are retiring in very large numbers. They are selecting hobbies that are … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Guides, MJJO, Music, My World, WCB | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Bucket List #3 ~ Attend NAMM ~ check

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Gandalfe

If you have a music bucket list, attending NAMM at least once should be on it. NAMM 2015 was held in Anaheim this year and hosted over 75,000 attendees. Opening day included a visit by the Disneyland band. The best … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Bucket List, Community | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

2015 ~ Year of the Sax

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Gandalfe

Don’t play the saxophone. Let it play you. ~ Charlie Parker I’m looking forward to a music filled year. I am playing in a concert band, running a big band, and nursing my favorite sax x-tet (where x = the … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Quote, Sax Quartet, Sax Quintet, Saxophone | Tagged | 2 Comments

Composer Thomas Newman

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Gandalfe

Just sitting here enjoying the work of composer Thomas Newman. Newman has been nominated for twelve Academy Awards and three Golden Globes, and has won two BAFTAs, six Grammys and an Emmy Award. Newman was honored with the Richard Kirk … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Movies, Music | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Seasonal Concerts started last night

Posted on December 6, 2014 by Gandalfe

There’s something about a holiday that isn’t all about how much money you spend. ~ Hilarie Burton The opening night of this year’s “In the Mood” theater production has come and gone. There were a lot of great moments and … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Christmas, Holiday | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“In the Mood” 2014 (theater)

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Gandalfe

As this show’s opening approaches, the band it really clicking so far. Our drummer had to walk out on us because he was over extended and it was causing health issues. But two subs peeked in. The actors are learning … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Female vocalists, Holiday, Saxophone, Theater | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ray Guyll, music teacher extraordinaire and my friend

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Gandalfe

To his many friends and all ships at sea, RAY HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! A great light has been extinguished.  I am so, so sorry. “SO LONG PAL.” ~ Bill Sheehan Suzy and I have lost an amazing music teacher … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Community, Education, Heroes, Hobbies, Jazz, MJJO, Saxophone, WCB | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments