Playing in the Band
October 19, 2009
This is, after all, my blog, about my life and my opinions. Sometimes I let weeks go by without much personal writing at the top--life, after all, is mostly slogging with occasional peaks. But sometimes things happen that I take for granted that are, upon reflection, peak experiences. One such is every concert of the Danville Community Band. I should really mention them in advance, so readers of this blog can come and hear the band and its announcer (me) if they like. After all, our concerts are free.
Sunday we played at the Rossmoor retirement home. Now, that concert is an exception; we get so many residents attending that Rossmoor asks us not to advertise the concert on the outside. We played a concert of big band music, medleys of Goodman and Miller (as well as String of Pearls), and Count Basie, and the 1942 Kay Kyser hit "Rosie the Riveter," which inspired Rockwell's famous poster. I play tenor sax in the band, where ages range from the teens to the 90s. I am also the announcer. This is the band's ninth season; at the request of the band's founder, Dr. Lawrence Anderson, I have announced all but two of its concerts, starting in October 2001. I love announcing. At first, I played in the Contra Costa Wind Symphony and announced for Danville, but in August 2005 I was cut from the CCWS after 13 years, and Danville kindly took me in, even though that meant carrying three tenor saxes. It's been my musical home ever since.
What I lack in talent as a musician, I make up in enthusiasm. I love making music with a group.
Our next concert is December 13 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Danville. Mark your calendar!