I took my first stab at conducting this afternoon, did ok on preparing the group for the downbeat and release. However once I was finished conducting part of Haydn’s Surprise Symphony in 2/4 time there was a nice pile of firewood for the meeting room.
It’s still an informative class and former Wayne State professor Joe Labuta does a good job of teaching. Joeis also director of the Saline, Michigan New Horizons Band. It’s just another chance to put a face and meet some of the legends of Detroit’s music history as well as some of the best band teachers around the country.
Some of the music we have been playing is starting to come together. The saxophone ensemble has been working on Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll”, a great version of “Jeri co” and an “Amazing Grace” arrangement that gives each individual in the group a chance at the lead.
The Intermediate Band has been supplemented the last couple of nights by members of the Advanced Band, which has helped a lot. I’m finding myself keeping up with the “more experienced” players. I even held my own with a solo on a version of the Shaker Dance. The Tango (La Comparsita) is coming along nicely the St. Louis Blues. I’m not sure what part I’ll end up with since I’ve played both first and second, I ended up doing the sax solo during the sectional. We are also starting to get a feel for Sousa’s Northern Pines March.
Another full day of music, more tired lips, the night’s finale, 1812 Overture, running thr0ugh my head, the good news is we all finished at the same time.
Midlife Musicians 
Hi Chuck:
It was great learning to conduct with you, as well as play in the Sax Ensemble. Hope to see you in Saline with the Saline New Horizon Band sometime…or I’ll come your way.