J. S. Bach

One of the composers who has become our favourite is J. S. Bach. Each trio concert with start with two of his three part inventions. As I explain to the audience, it is nice that someone has seen fit to rewrite the music for our combination. I am not sure how long it will take for me to learn to play three melodies at once.
The audience members love hearing about the fact that Bach had 20 children. Not about all the music that he wrote and how famous he was but the children. Must find more information that will entice them.

McMichael Concert-This Sunday

My goodness, this Sunday is it. The Taffanel Wind Ensemble will be performing at the McMichael Gallery. It is one of the high lites of the season but must admit that we have quite a number of special performance.
We will be at Spadina House at the end of June. This should be a lovely day out in the garden. Before then, we will be performing at quite a number of homes. The list seems to be growing by the day. Not sure why but not complaining.
Hope that some of you will be able to attend our performance.

The Story of Ping

Fascinating what you have to look up when playing trios. The latest topic is Children's stories. We are performing a suite of Children's stories. We all knew the story of Babar the Elephant and Curious George but the Story of Ping was a challenge. After several rehearsals, I decided that it is time to explore the Story of Ping. Ping was a duck and he decided that he did not like getting spanked for being the last duck back home after a long day. He would stay out over night instead of returning home. Unfortunately, that is all that I know. Must actually find the book which was first published in 1933.
Will keep you posted about this duck.

McMichael Gallery concert 2010

Here we are ready for another McMichael Concert. The trio has been busy preparing and will be ready to perform on Sunday May 2. Hard to believe that another has passed since we last did the concert. Hope that some of you will consider attending.

Spring visits Colborne Lodge

Yes, it is that time of year. Spring has been officially declared by environment Canada and Colborne Lodge is going to celebrate Spring, Saturday March 20. That will be the eve of Spring. What a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of this special season. I think that it is my favourite. Looking forward to seeing flowers burst forth and also some out door performances. This one will not be outdoors but we will start thinking about it.

Princess Margaret Lodge

This week, the trio plays at one of our favourite locations and also most challenging. Princess Margaret Lodge, a residence for cancer patients from out of town who need serious out patient treatment. The patients are so lively and wonderful. We love coming and adding something to their day.
We hope to add something to their day.

Octet: Conductor, John Liddle

Good news, the octet will have a conductor again this year. While it is good to work and attempt to practise music on our own, having a conductor work with us focuses the group. A conductor will see the errors and possibilities much faster than we can. This season because Gloria Ratcliffe has moved out of the city the octet will have John Liddle conduct our group. Should be an interesting experience.
More about that once the group starts rehearsing. In the meantime, time to pick repertoire.