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 |   So playing the trombone wasn't getting me in enough trouble? |
| I need someplace to write down the often confusing thoughts that enter my mind, while my stories give voice to the characters that wander through periodically, this is the place for my voice. Join me if you wish, comment if you wish, all are welcomed and appreciated. |
A Christmas Festival ~ Arr. Leroy Anderson ~ Performed By: Alfred Concert Band This piece "A Christmas Festival" is an arrangement of several well-known Christmas tunes that Leroy Anderson scored during his tenure as resident Composer/Arranger for the Boston Pops Orchestra. Interestingly, the original score was eight minutes long. This was first recorded before long-playing records, the old 78s were limited to four minutes per side. Anderson had to arrange this with a natural break at the four-minute mark, but the break had to be unnoticeable when performed live. This is one of my favorite Christmas pieces, both to perform and conduct. I have done this multiple times in my musical career. This is one of those pieces that makes it Christmas for me. A bit of a personal story. After I moved into a predominately administrative position, handing the baton off as it were, our High School was also blessed with an interim principal. Normally interim types try to keep a low profile, collect the check and not make waves. This one unfortunately did not. The High School Concert Band had rehearsed and prepared this arrangement as part of their portion of the Formal Winter Concert. I heard them rehearsing every day across the hall from my office, it was a fine band that year and they played very well. You could tell they loved this piece, showing a lot of enthusiasm. The time came for dress rehearsal in the Performing Arts Center. the band was rehearsing "A Christmas Festival" when Interim interrupted them to tell the band director "you can't play that in school"! When the band director asked why he was told it contained sacred music, associated with the Church. No amount of protest or discussion could change Interim's mind. The band was saddened, a big chunk of their program was gone, the chunk they liked the most. The night of the Winter Concert, I was doing my normal Master of Ceremonies schtick. I had also arranged for a shill or two in the audience. When the band played their last note of the evening, the shills led an uproarious ovation that simply demanded an encore. The Band Director was surprised when I asked him over the mic, "can I borrow your band for a tune?" The band was even more surprised when I stepped onto the podium and called for Anderson's "A Christmas Festival". The band played their bottoms off, a very emotional, yet controlled performance. Interim was of course furious, And I had a target on me as I wasn't tenured in the new position yet. But like always the luck of the Leprechauns was with me. Before Interim could get to me in the lobby our 6"8" Superindentent of Schools wrapped me in a bear hug and thanked me for making Christmas. Interim choose to stay out of the Music Wing after that.  ...I'm only the trombone player! |
A Christmas Festival ~ Arr. Leroy Anderson ~ Performed By: Alfred Concert Band This piece "A Christmas Festival" is an arrangement of several well-known Christmas tunes that Leroy Anderson scored during his tenure as resident Composer/Arranger for the Boston Pops Orchestra. Interestingly, the original score was eight minutes long. This was first recorded before long-playing records, the old 78s were limited to four minutes per side. Anderson had to arrange this with a natural break at the four-minute mark, but the break had to be unnoticeable when performed live. This is one of my favorite Christmas pieces, both to perform and conduct. I have done this multiple times in my musical career. This is one of those pieces that makes it Christmas for me. A bit of a personal story. After I moved into a predominately administrative position, handing the baton off as it were, our High School was also blessed with an interim principal. Normally interim types try to keep a low profile, collect the check and not make waves. This one unfortunately did not. The High School Concert Band had rehearsed and prepared this arrangement as part of their portion of the Formal Winter Concert. I heard them rehearsing every day across the hall from my office, it was a fine band that year and they played very well. You could tell they loved this piece, showing a lot of enthusiasm. The time came for dress rehearsal in the Performing Arts Center. the band was rehearsing "A Christmas Festival" when Interim interrupted them to tell the band director "you can't play that in school"! When the band director asked why he was told it contained sacred music, associated with the Church. No amount of protest or discussion could change Interim's mind. The band was saddened, a big chunk of their program was gone, the chunk they liked the most. The night of the Winter Concert, I was doing my normal Master of Ceremonies schtick. I had also arranged for a shill or two in the audience. When the band played their last note of the evening, the shills led an uproarious ovation that simply demanded an encore. The Band Director was surprised when I asked him over the mic, "can I borrow your band for a tune?" The band was even more surprised when I stepped onto the podium and called for Anderson's "A Christmas Festival". The band played their bottoms off, a very emotional, yet controlled performance. Interim was of course furious, And I had a target on me as I wasn't tenured in the new position yet. But like always the luck of the Leprechauns was with me. Before Interim could get to me in the lobby our 6"8" Superindentent of Schools wrapped me in a bear hug and thanked me for making Christmas. Interim choose to stay out of the Music Wing after that. ...I'm only the trombone player! |
"Little Drummer Boy" Composed by: Katherine Kennicott Davis Performed By: Celtic Woman Originally known as "Carol of the Drum", "Little Drummer Boy" is my favorite Christmas tune. So it's only fitting it should be my first entry in the "12 Days of "Christmas""  .Christ has been born and the Magi assemble, bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold represents Christ's Kingship, the frankincense tells of his deity, while myrrh foreshadowed Christ's Death. While the Little Drummer Boy is a modern construct and not part of the scriptures, for us it is the most important gift of all. A child, as poor as the Baby Jesus, has no gold or incense to offer as a gift. The child has nothing but his ability to play his drum, he modestly seeks Mary's permission to "play(ed) my best for him". Why is it the most important gift of all? It shows us that Christ doesn't treasure worldly riches, but rather he wants the best of us. He wants gifts given freely, with love and kindness. Wiki History |
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Credit is delaying the pain unless one pays it off every month. I don't buy what I can't afford. I don't go into debt. I live well by living well within my means. 
