Making Music

As some of you may know, my Monday nights are spent rehearsing with the Easton Municipal Band. I've been playing the clarinet for almost 20 (!!!) years now - I started when I was 9 years old - and I can't imagine what it would be like to not play an instrument.

One of my favorite composers of all time is Gustav Holst, and one of the pieces we're working on right now is Second Suite in F for Military Band. It's funny, but even if I've had an awful day, if we play a piece by Holst at rehearsal it instantly puts me in a good mood. Here's the 4th movement from Second Suite in F:

Now doesn't that put a smile on your face??

Anyway, our first concert of the season, is this Sunday, May 1, at 2:00pm at the Hanover Community Center in Bethlehem, PA. It's the Sousa Concert, which we do every year with the Liberty Alumni Band, consisting primarily of Sousa marches (in case you hadn't already figured that out!), and it's pretty spectacular if I do say so myself. ;-) Also, admission is free, and there are always a ton of free refreshments! If you live in or near the Lehigh Valley, I highly recommend it.