Back in the day, one of my snarkier witticisms as a conductor was that Nothing is impossible for the man who doesnt have to do it himself..e on, we can crank that tempo up just a wee bit more...or that crescendo a bit fuller...or that decrescendo - much, much, much softer. One of the happier accidents of retirement is the opportunity to step down from the podium and actually play some of these licks. Clarinet in hand, this evenings 2 hour rehearsal ended with two numbers that take no prisoners from any of the sections of the concert band...and this is a very accomplished concert band. James Burdens Star Wars Medley is a six-pager with no rest for the weary, horrible (impossible) page turns and clarinet licks that dont lay very well to the hand. It was followed by Jay Bocooks Selections from Wicked which is more of the same...only over 8 pages with no-chance page turns (accompanied by vocal ad libs from various players as sheets of music cascade off the easels of their stands in what, up to that point seemed like a successful page turn) and even more difficult licks for the woodwinds (this borders on French farce when outside in the elements and wind, terrain, folders, wind clips and audience are added to the mix). The rehearsal was in a band room that is closed for the summer, without A/C since its closed, but with really fresh paint fumes from the redecorating of nearby classrooms. End of rehearsal and I have been ridden hard and am about to be put back in my stall wet. Seriously, soaked like it was a sauna. My reflection in the car window after looked like I had been bobbing for French fries. Its a very good thing to ground that conducting nonsense every so often with a reality check with an instrument in hand. I highly recommend it. And, as luck would have it, my seat in tonights clarinet section put me directly next to my oboe teacher of 50 years ago. The absolute best was nailing most of these licks and getting a subtle sidelong glance of approval from the old guy. Good times.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 04:36:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015