My Music Man...

Fond du Lac Symphonic Band - Last Concert of the Season

I made it! I got to Handsome's final concert of the season. Rather than climbing up the hill with my lawn chair for my usual vantage point, I opted for a more conservative location down in front on the flat part of the yard. There I sat for the two hour performance.  In case you're wondering, my husband is standing in the percussion section on the left side of this photograph (second from the left). Yep. He's the tall, handsome one.

Handsome on the Drum Kit

Handsome was front of the stage for three or four pieces last night. A Dixieland piece which was well-received by the audience. He also played a Tribute to Count Basie medley which was my favorite. His first love is jazz and swing, so he's always the best choice to play the kit for those pieces. I've witnessed an occasional partial derailing either by the band or the conductor that's he's brought back on line with his playing. It's a beautiful thing to watch. He's not only my heartbeat, but truly the heartbeat for the organizations with which he plays. Can you tell how proud I am of him and his talents?  

Handsome on Kit for the Dixieland Piece

My post is late going up today. We went for a little while to the after party that the band sponsors at the end of each season. Last night it was at a pizza place that everyone likes. We got home around 10:15, and by then, I knew I might have been on my butt and feet too long. Rather than write my post, I took my meds, stacked a few pillows in bed so I could elevate my leg, and called it a night.

This morning, I'm happy to report that although my knee feels really tight, it's not warm to the touch (signifying inflammation), or swollen. Progress! I'll be taking my morning meds, refilling my ice machine and doing a little cold therapy next. I nice hot cup of coffee will hit the spot, too.

I'll be taking it easy the rest of the day, as will Handsome. He'll be taking care of the dogs this morning, and then pampering his back. It's not just the playing. When you're a percussionist, you've almost always got the most lifting, toting, and heavier equipment than anyone else. He doesn't just show up to play and then leave after a performance. He deserves a rest today, too.

Once again, I find myself asking, "Aren't we a pair." I hope you have a great day. We'll just be hanging out in the farmhouse in case you're looking for us.

Band Camp Recital Night...

It was so good to see Captain (soon-to-be-Major) Michelle Rakers, USMC, at Handsome's Adult Band Camp at Allegheny College this week. Thursday night was  recital night for each of the band sections. Michelle is conducting the band this  week, but Thursday night she was able to take the night off to listen to and play music.   Handsome and I were glad to see her again, after not being able to travel last year.  Her upcoming promotion was cause for us to celebrate with her, too! Michelle is currently Assistant Director of the Marine Band in Washington, D.C.,  "The President's Own".  Hers is a prestigious job, to be sure! With her promotion to Major,  she will gain additional responsibilities with the band.

Of course, Handsome wanted a photo with Michelle.   We've both become very fond of her. Not only is she a stellar musician, but she's  a great person with a contagious energy and enthusiasm. She's a lot of fun, too!

This was one of the A.P.E. performances. (Adult Percussion Ensemble. lol) They  actually did two numbers, one of which was arranged by our good Florida friend,  Jim Roytz. The piece is a set of variations on "When Johnny Comes Marching Home".   Jim and Handsome perform together with the Suncoast Community Band in  Sarasota. We love spending time with Jim and his wife, who is also an  accomplished musician. Jim is a percussionist and Diane plays the trumpet.    The piece was really lovely, and naturally, highlighted the various parts of the  percussion section of the band. The band "heartbeat" musicians were a joy to watch.

 There was also a German-American Band ensemble which had us in  stitches. Michelle joined their group and played cornet. She was obviously  having a great time, and I actually have videos to prove it! (I especially like  how she pointed out to her stand-mate where they were in the piece!)  I just had to get a picture of her in the official G-A ensemble t-shirts, too.

 

Handsome played cymbals with the German-American band, along with  Barbara Bailey (widow of famous percussionist, Buster Bailey), and well- known bass drummer, Doug McCleod. I asked permission to be able to tell you that in this photograph there is a total of 247 years between them! (Doug is 92, Barbara is 85 and Handsome is 70!!!) Their resumes are just as impressive as they are. We always look forward to seeing them, either here in Allegheny or when they travel south to perform in Florida.
Last night was their whole band concert. I'll have photographs to share  on Monday as we prepare to depart Meadville and turn toward Wisconsin.

Holiday Sparkle, Music And A Smile...

Handsome accompanied a local musical group when they performed yesterday. I had to be in Sarasota and missed the fun...and I'm told it really was fun.

Of course, I knew he was going to be playing with them, but yesterday morning, I noticed a garment that I hadn't seen before. All bright and sparkly and new. I knew it was Handsome's attire for the performance, and I giggled as I told him, "It's you, Baby!" I knew right away that I was going to be sorry I wouldn't see this show.

Last year, the North Port Chorale asked him to stand in for their usual percussionist. The young man who usually backed the group didn't want to miss his high school prom. Handsome was glad to help out, and they were pretty enamored of his musical contributions. (After all, he has over forty five years experience on their usual drummer.)

He was soon after contacted to ask if he would be the regular percussionist for their group for the 2009-10 concert season. In addition, they requested that he accompany their select group of singers who perform separate from the Chorale called the Soundsations. Never being one to turn down an opportunity to play, Handsome agreed. (So you don't worry - their previous drummer went off to college.)

Yesterday, the Soundsations performed music from their repertoire as they entertained the residents of a local nursing home. I'm told that one gent, in particular, was completely taken with the music. He spent the afternoon "dancing" in his wheelchair, and there was occasional whooping and hollering from others in the gallery, too. You can imagine the group was a big hit!

Thank you to Sharon (the pianist) for taking a photograph of Handsome for me in his concert attire. Nothing like a little holiday sparkle, music and a smile to get you in the spirit of the season!

Only two more days until the end of my 200th Post Giveaway. If we get to 200 followers, there will be a second drawing, too. I just want to remind you to post your comment each day for additional entries.

Have fun as you prepare, primp and plan for time with family, and if you're planning to travel this Thanksgiving, please be safe. I'm looking forward to reading how each and every one of my blogging friends spent their holiday!