Category Archives: MJJO

Swing Dance, this is why …

Posted on March 29, 2018 by Gandalfe

There are many kinds of dances, but all those requiring the participation of the two sexes have two characteristics in common: they are conspicuously innocent, and warmly loved by the vicious. ~ Ambrose Bierce We, and my we I mean … Continue reading →

Posted in Dancing, MJJO, Swing Dancers | Tagged , | Leave a comment

10 Essential Qualities of Great Band Leadership

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Gandalfe

As the founder of a number of music ensembles I have always meant to write an article like this. Christiana does it better. Pictures from my collection by various photographers, some of which I know. 10 Essential Qualities of Great … Continue reading →

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MJJO: First Gig of the New Year

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Gandalfe

Music is a gut thing. You’re working in a medium which is more in touch withthe primal than the modern. A gig is a ritual. There’s a congregation. ~ Siobhan Fahey Ah yes, the first gig after a long break. … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Band, Dancing, MJJO, My World | 1 Comment

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

My first New Year Gig

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Gandalfe

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ~ Oprah Winfrey I am so jazzed about tonight’s gig with my wife Suzy on alto and me on bari sax. So many of my friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Big Band, Holiday, MJJO, Music, My World | Tagged | 4 Comments

Happy Holidays 2015

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Gandalfe

Your greatest gift to others is to be happy and to radiate your happiness to the entire world. ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie What an interesting year it has been. Musically, I have been very busy and happy for that. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiday, MJJO, My World | 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

Retirement Tales ~ Year One

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Gandalfe

“You know Jim, I’ve discovered that the more time one has, the more time one wastes.” ~ Byron Roberts (Suzy’s Dad) after hearing me talk about only having one job after retiring from the Army Reserves. Last year at this … Continue reading →

Posted in FAQ, Guides, MJJO, Money, My World, retirement, WCB | 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

Ballard Locks Vintage Car Show

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Gandalfe

My band, the Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra, played at the Ballard Locks last weekend. We had a great crowd and once again, the Vintage Car Show was set up next to the playing stand. Here are some quick pictures I … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Cars, MJJO | Tagged | Leave a comment