Category: Member Info

From Dave Staples:
I received this request for trombone, euphonium, tuba and french horn players from Ryan Veltmeyer (tbone player in the community and former student) and thought it would be good to pass it on to our low brass and french horn players in HCB. A little late notice but it could be a fun thing.
Here’s a little blurb about the event and a link to a sign-up form. forms.gle/9NiJAPR8rbgXodfJA

Hi
As many of you know, I had some complications following my second colon cancer surgery last October, so I was only just getting back to work and other activities, including band, when Covid hit in March. Unfortunately, in July I learned that my cancer had spread, and as a result, I have decided to step back from work and other things so I can focus on my health. Last month I tendered my resignation as President and Director of the Halifax Concert Band Society, and I understand the Board has asked Kim Conway to serve as a Director until the AGM this Fall, as permitted by the Society’s bylaws.
Thank you all, especially my fellow volunteers on the HCB leadership team, for the support you have given me since we formed the Society in 2009. I have enjoyed music since I was very young, and the Halifax Concert Band has been a huge part of my life, so once rehearsals resume, I hope to continue as a playing member of the band as long as my health permits.
Yours in harmony and hope,
John Underhill

Hi
On September 15, there was a Zoom meeting with the HCB Executive group. There was a review of the results of the Membership survey, which is attached to this e-mail. The basic message was that members were willing to try to get together, which was encouraging for us. We have researched the rules for Halifax West, the conditions for On-line rehearsals, some options for using other locations, and the recommendations from the Nova Scotia Band Association. We talked about the activities of other bands in the Metro area, and other items.
After consideration of everything we knew, it was decided that there are too many unknowns and unfavorable factors for band rehearsals at this time. We will review the situation late October to see if conditions have changed. We would like to have an on-line Annual meeting on Tuesday November 3 at 6:30 pm. A notification and Zoom link for the meeting will be sent out at the end of October. Pandemics are disheartening.
Thanks

Hi
Last week I mentioned that the Band Executive needs your help in assessing the situation around band rehearsals in the time of pandemic.
I am sending a link to a survey about the band’s future. Please respond,
forms.gle/32AGuZdBECZzpzSr7
Thanks

Hi all,
The Band Executive had a Zoom meeting on Tuesday Sep 1. There is so much uncertainty concerning the getting together for a band rehearsal. We talked about decisions being made about schools, research about playing wind instruments in a group, software available for virtual large group meetings, possible other spaces for rehearsal, and other topics. Our decision was for various people to do more research and to have another Zoom meeting on September 15.
In a few days, we will be sending out an on-line survey to determine interest in somehow having band rehearsals before Christmas. Please respond when this is sent to you. We need to hear from you.
We are considering the option of different rehearsal space. The major factors for indoor spaces and groups of people include the capacity for social distancing, the air exchange rate, and the ability to clean things after a gathering. If you are aware of suitable spaces, please contact me.
We will let you know about plans after September 15.

Hi all,
Since we are unable to get together to play this music, here are some links to recordings of music in your folder. If you miss playing your instrument, you can play along with these. Dave (with assistance by Donna Huffman)
Sea Songs- R Vaughan Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67eu-zjf1ps (performed by Cleveland Symphonic Winds)
Poet and Peasant Overture- Von Suppe (Takahashi) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drCthkR0ex8&list=RDdrCthkR0ex8&start_radio=1
A Childhood Remembered-Rossano Galante. (J.W. Pepper site) www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10360929 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uDaRTvTF-I
Star Trek Through The Years (arr. John Moss) www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=2331379 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2M-FxFRngo
Curtain Call-John Wasson www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10369239
or slower version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBQqMxyTUIc
Lincoln- John Williams (arr. Bocook) www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10376172 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0HQNBaac68&feature=youtu.be
Praeludium (from Holberg Suite)-Grieg (arr. Lopez) www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10312393 or www.alfred-music.com/player/BelwinConcertBand2012/38363/player.html
Jump In The Line-Belafonte (arr. Brown) www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10626025

John Underhill provided two links to a variety of music performances:
www.youtube.com/user/concertbandland
www.youtube.com/channel/UCsvQ9879W07pQf4ujx25Z7Q

Some news about a study that the Band is supporting:
I write today about the aerosol study that is being put together by CBDNA and NFHS
www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/
The study will examine the aerosol dispersion by wind, brass, and vocal performers. It will take place on our campus in Boulder and in Maryland and I know that it will provide vital answers for everyone moving forward.
Depth of resources – On the website, there are a few links to some shared documents – drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1PZ8RF3EytzUWGwfJNpu4fsyXc4E_u2Yi
These 2 folders have numerous documents on the studies on Aerosols and Instrument Contamination & Hygiene.
The coalition currently has about 60 members and the Canadian Band Association has signed on to support this project and sent a nominal contribution.
Sincerely, John