Dear Band,
It was good getting out of the house and being with you. I believe that I was having an early case of cabin fever.
After I got home and started reviewing the rehearsal, I realized that we have six rehearsals and the dress rehearsal before the concert on Sunday, April 19. Without a doubt, each rehearsal will be important.
Listed below are five new songs that I would like for you to bring with you to rehearsal Tuesday. We will also work on some of the music from last week.
As you know, with each concert I try and pick a variety of music that fits into a musical theme. The theme for this year’s concert is, “Music of America, A Civil War Sesquicentnnial”. Much of the music will be from the Civil War era.
Following is what I put on our web site concerning the program:
The Civil War and those years afterward saw a general growth of the arts and music in America. Amateur musical ensembles of this era can be seen as the birth of American popular music.
Music author, David Ewen, describes these early amateur bands as combining “the depth and drama of the classics with undemanding technique, eschewing complexity in favor of direct expression. If it was vocal music, the words would be in English, despite the snobs who declared English an unsingable language. In a way, it was part of the entire awakening of America that happened after the Civil War, a time in which American painters, writers and ‘serious’ composers addressed specifically American themes.”
During our Spring Concert, we will play some of the music of America that has helped us through the centuries. We hope that you can attend.
I look forward to presenting some great American music that has stood the test of time in our history to our audience.
Before I forget it, I want to recommend your attending the Northwinds concert this evening. If you enjoy listening to “challenging” music, this one is for you. The only things missing is some lighter music and Ron Evans. You will enjoy the evening. Concert starts at 7:30 at Pearce auditorium. By the way, because of the construction behind Pearce, it might take you a while longer to find a parking space.
Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday.
Richard
New Music for March 3
Down In The Valley – 596
Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair 590
Let Evening Come 592
When Johnny Comes Marching Home 469
Basin Street Blues 130