Unbanded, week 21 (or, not Summer Concert #10): Getting the band back together?
I heard from a band acquaintance today; he asked if I'd done the survey. Well, yes, several weeks ago. He then mentioned there was a rehearsal next week for an upcoming performance. ...Oh? Really? What's that now? His reaction to my reaction made me go, was there an email sent out today? He replied, last night. Ah. It must've been sent after I checked it yesterday. I then found out the performance was for September 11; I never do this performance since normally I am working. I checked the calendar; it's a Friday this year, and my usual work activities will be sharply curtailed for our typically-busy season, but given my Friday schedule lately, it will still conflict.
I checked my mail when I got home, and sure enough, we had one regarding band and one regarding the recently-passed clarinet player. That latter email was a message from her brother and sister-in-law, thanking the band for the condolences and stories we'd passed along. We'd meant a great deal to her, and they were grateful for what we'd shared. That was a nice update.
As for the band, yes, they are looking to start rehearsing again, starting next Wednesday evening, outside. There is the possibility of having regular band rehearsals with split groups, either both on Mondays or one Monday, one Wednesday. There would be Xs on the floor as to where chairs would go, and we'd be bringing our own chairs and stands. I wonder if we could wipe clean the chairs that are there? They are musician-specific and all the chairs would be uniform. There was a whole PDF attached that we could read through. Rehearsals would be inside with the door cracked to allow air circulation, and if the weather was inclement enough, or the situation meant we could not meet (i.e., someone came down with COVID and we couldn't get into the building because a deep cleaning hadn't yet been done), rehearsals would be canceled and we'd be informed.
I replied that I wanted more information. If next week's rehearsal is specifically for the people doing the 9-11 performance, I would not want to go. I never play it. Why would I rehearse it? Also, there was a mention of perhaps playing music that could go on a flip folder, i.e., what you use when you march. Like...I want to play full-size, regular concert band music. Marching size is tiny and mainly, well, marches. Those get boring very quickly. I like the pretty stuff. There was a short survey, which we were asked to complete by Sunday. At least it gives me a few days to think about it, and a chance to get an answer.
Meanwhile, there's supposed to be a concert replay tonight, but when I looked up the title that was given, it's an alternate title of a show they've already run! It's the week 14/not concert 3 show, the Illinois Bicentennial one. If they end up playing something else instead, I'll update with that info. I may still watch or at least have it on in the background; it's been nice to listen to music while I putz around online.
I checked my mail when I got home, and sure enough, we had one regarding band and one regarding the recently-passed clarinet player. That latter email was a message from her brother and sister-in-law, thanking the band for the condolences and stories we'd passed along. We'd meant a great deal to her, and they were grateful for what we'd shared. That was a nice update.
As for the band, yes, they are looking to start rehearsing again, starting next Wednesday evening, outside. There is the possibility of having regular band rehearsals with split groups, either both on Mondays or one Monday, one Wednesday. There would be Xs on the floor as to where chairs would go, and we'd be bringing our own chairs and stands. I wonder if we could wipe clean the chairs that are there? They are musician-specific and all the chairs would be uniform. There was a whole PDF attached that we could read through. Rehearsals would be inside with the door cracked to allow air circulation, and if the weather was inclement enough, or the situation meant we could not meet (i.e., someone came down with COVID and we couldn't get into the building because a deep cleaning hadn't yet been done), rehearsals would be canceled and we'd be informed.
I replied that I wanted more information. If next week's rehearsal is specifically for the people doing the 9-11 performance, I would not want to go. I never play it. Why would I rehearse it? Also, there was a mention of perhaps playing music that could go on a flip folder, i.e., what you use when you march. Like...I want to play full-size, regular concert band music. Marching size is tiny and mainly, well, marches. Those get boring very quickly. I like the pretty stuff. There was a short survey, which we were asked to complete by Sunday. At least it gives me a few days to think about it, and a chance to get an answer.
Meanwhile, there's supposed to be a concert replay tonight, but when I looked up the title that was given, it's an alternate title of a show they've already run! It's the week 14/not concert 3 show, the Illinois Bicentennial one. If they end up playing something else instead, I'll update with that info. I may still watch or at least have it on in the background; it's been nice to listen to music while I putz around online.