Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

Saxophone Lamp

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Gandalfe

“It’s hard to throw away history. It was like you were throwing away a part of yourself.”  ~ Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty It happened during a theater pit job, I was schlepping 4 instruments and we had precious … Continue reading →

Posted in Everyday Science, Saxophone, Tips and Tricks | Tagged | Leave a comment

Writer’s Block

Posted on November 4, 2017 by Gandalfe

“Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say?” ~ Kurt Vonnegut Jr. When I realize that I haven’t written in a long time … Continue reading →

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Pay Raise and Retirement Tips and Tricks

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Gandalfe

“I believe that the biggest mistake that most people make when it comes to their retirement is they do not plan for it. They take the same route as Alice in the story from “Alice in Wonderland,” in which the … Continue reading →

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Merlin Williams: Woodwind Doubling on a Cruise Ship

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Gandalfe

My good friend Merlin speaks with authority about being a musician on a cruise ship. This video is an excellent education tool for those considering their own qualifications and wanting to know tips and tricks. You are welcome.

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Muddy Yards and Dirty Shoes

Posted on October 16, 2016 by Gandalfe

You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it. ~ Denzel Washington Three storms have deposited their rain filling our streams, retention ponds, and yards. As I walked across the yard, checking the … Continue reading →

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Emergency Planning 2016

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Gandalfe

“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” ~ Mark Twain Emergencies come in all forms from severe weather, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and civil unrest. Most of us prioritize thusly: family, friends, work. So when the roads close, … Continue reading →

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Warning! Rant in Progress

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Gandalfe

A most excellent rant from author LaMonte M. Fowler on Facebook this morning. I feel the need to drop a little truth on y’all. So buckle up…I’m about to be politically incorrect. We don’t need to take America back. No … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Community, Politics, Tips and Tricks | Tagged | 2 Comments

Doctors, Medicine, and Health … oh no!

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Gandalfe

I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself. ~ Johnny Carson I am constantly surprised to find otherwise smart people in my life who … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness, Medical, My World, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , | 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

The Perfect Clarinet

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Gandalfe

If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be. ~ Yogi Berra I have spent a lot of time helping family and friends find the perfect instrument within the constraints of their budgets. New musicians, young musicians, adult newbies and returning … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet, Education, Guides, Music, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments