Next Meeting Feb 4th!

Our next meeting is coming up and I think we will want to continue with Roxy's Waltz and Truman Sleeps, with an eye toward the next YMCA Talent Showcase performance (I think it will be in March). In addition, we should keep up on some of the other arrangements we once knew so well... Sleigh Ride and 76 Trombones. I don't think we have performed 76 Trombones for the Y yet, so that could end up being our third song, and inspiration to revive a really nice Steve arrangement.

See you Tuesday night!

Video of YMCA Dec 7 2013 show

Hi All

I have uploaded the latest performance video to YouTube (third time's the charm). Thanks to all who played. It was great fun. Carol of the Bells, Kerfunten Jig, Puttin' on the Ritz

Another angle on the action and a link to Warren's playlist!

Next Meeting November 19th

Hi WUE

Our next meeting is November 19th. One of our options for the next YMCA performance is Carol of the Bells. Our newest member Michael has condensed the score so it will fit on two facing pages. No other changes to the arrangement were made. If you are interested, download the newest version from downloads page. This song would be fun to do, and I think we should be able to get it in decent shape before the Dec 7th performance. Dona Nobis Pacem is a little more challenging, but since it is not really a holiday song, we will work on it for the gallery gig in January. We don't expect to have that one ready for the next YMCA show.

We should finalize the play list for the Y show. This meeting will be an important one for that. We should get a final head count on who will be performing at that time as well, so we can make sure we have all parts represented and practiced. If you want to perform, but can't make the meeting this week, make sure you let me know by email.

–Lori

Getting songs ready for December!

Hi Ensemblers

In anticipation of the YMCA talent showcase in early December, we should brush up on last years "Sleigh Ride" arrangement. It was a little rusty last time we played, but with a few hours of concentrated practice, I am sure it will be up to speed. M suggested checking out Carol of the Bells arrangement in 4 parts! Yes, you read it correctly... 4 parts. There is a part one and part two, and chords and Baritone DGBE. Click here to hear the MP3 get the tabs. The individual parts look pretty simple, so if you like it, I am sure we could get it ready for December. I have a baritone tuned to DGBE, so we have at least one bari that can do that part. Ode To Joy is another favorite that would work for the Y. If you have other songs to suggest, feel free to mention them, and we will check them out. Next meeting is November 5, so in these next weeks, think about what we are playing, and which songs should be in our core repertoire. We should really have a good number of performance-ready songs so we can take full advantage of unexpected performance opportunities. I think the minimum should be 20 minutes worth of songs that we can comfortably perform. Instrumentals should be the bulk for now, but if you suggest a song with a vocal, it needs to be one where the vocal(s) is as practiced and developed as the instrumental parts.

Video from September 21, 2013 performance

We had a great time performing at one of our favorite venues, the Santa Monica YMCA. Here are some videos of the event. Thanks to all the ensemblers who were able to participate. All that extra practice together really helps. It is always so much fun to play together!