Last night's church Christmas concert

WxJeff

Just wanted to post this and let those of you who play in similar environments to rejoice with me!

The last several years the church music minister was an elderly gentleman who (my opinion) was accustomed to having collegiate/semi-professional musicians in both the choir and the orchestra. His Christmas programs were long (90 minutes) and both technically and endurance challenging (certainly for the brass sections, but also for some of the older members of the choir.) There have been concerts during the last couple years where we came very close to serious train wrecks.

He retired (again) and early this year the church brought in a very young man (30s) and he has been phenomenal. Great leadership... no doubt who is in charge but very considerate and positive in praising our efforts. Not over the top cheerleading but more along the lines of "...I know this is a challenging piece and you all are working hard on it, here's what I need in order to tweak your performance a bit and bring it to the next level..."

Last night's program was more lyrical in nature than in years past. We did do a Camp Kirkland brass centric orchestra only prelude The Angels' Hallelujah but other selections included orchestrations by Dan Goeller (my personal favorite... we've done several of his pieces in the past) and Cliff Duren. Probably the toughest brass licks (syncopation) were on the kids' ministry presentation of Born is the King (Ray Jones, Amanda Singer arrangement.)

The overall demeanor of the director during the concert was different, too. Lots of smiles, discreet thumbs up, under the breath "Amens" as opposed to a stressed look of concern during the whole thing

Here's to all of you having great playing under "appropriate" leadership this holiday season!
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Quadstriker · Veteran Member Joined: 14 Dec 2021 Posts: 108

cgaiii · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:29 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a great start with a new director.
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WxJeff · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 6:53 am Post subject:

Follow up:

This year I was able to participate in a second Christmas program as our church orchestra was invited to play with another.... let's call it affluent... church in the city of Atlanta.

The privilege here was to sit amongst several professional musicians who were hired by the church. We had a young, very personable tuba-ist sitting next to the trumpet section who didn't miss a note, entrance or articulation during either the two hour dress rehearsal or the Sunday morning concert. Similarly, there was an oboeist and a couple violins and a cellist that were remarkable.

I came away honored and inspired to be part of this event. My admonition to you, my fellow comeback players: get involved in a group setting. You never know where it will lead

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Kanstul F Besson International 800 Bb
Jupiter SCR-520

tptptp · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 8:13 am Post subject:

Where do you go to church? I'd love to hear your group.
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Craig Mitchell

Dale Proctor · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 8:53 am Post subject:

I played in this production with about 150 singers and a 50 piece orchestra at our church. Dress rehearsal was last Wednesday, one performance Thursday, one Friday, three on Saturday, a church service Sunday morning, and the last performance Sunday night. About 10,000 free tickets were distributed, and the sanctuary was packed at every performance. BTW, the orchestra played 3 pieces as the crowd was coming in that aren’t part of the recording.

https://vimeo.com/895431905?fbclid=IwAR0TaKir1JG4zMpTTOfm2gX-qggf2se1iLXkpox3wHMvuuoQC6xCXx2BGTQ
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"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

OldSchoolEuph · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Apr 2012 Posts: 2441

WxJeff · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 10:19 am Post subject:

WxJeff · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 10:21 am Post subject:

Dale Proctor · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 10:22 am Post subject:

mafields627 · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 11:03 am Post subject:

tptptp · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 11:05 am Post subject:

WxJeff, nice music. My daughter lives not far from your church. I may visit you one Sunday.

Dale, colossal event! Did you play Hallelujah Chorus on the wee beastie, or did you use a Bb like a real man? 😀
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Craig Mitchell

Dale Proctor · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:14 pm Post subject:

Dale Proctor · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:29 pm Post subject: