Wednesday, October 31, 2012

BOO

Apache Junction, AZ   High 89  Low 62

boo

Happy Halloween everyone.

I figured it was about time for a round up of our last week. Not much going on but we did do a couple of really fun things.

We attended the United Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants performance at AZ State University's Gammage Auditorium.

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This building is Frank Lloyd Wright's final design. He was a close friend of ASU President Grady Gammage and even thought the design of this building was originally to be used in Baghdad, Iraq, after seeing this site he knew this was the place to build. The first event, The Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Eugene Ormandy, was held September 18, 1964.

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Shannon, Dianna, Bobbie and if you look closely you can see a little bit of Steve (but not Jin).

It’s a beautiful building which is on the National Historic Record. That does create a couple of problems. They cannot make any changes to the building without jumping through about a million hoops. And a couple of things need to be changed.

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They need more restrooms. Believe me, they really need more women’s restrooms. They also need to add another elevator, larger than the one they have. That is right, they have one very small elevator and it for the use of disabled people.

The reason I know that is because Jim was in his wheelchair and we had to use that elevator. Two wheelchairs barely fit if you maneuvered them just right. Took awhile to get all us old folks down and then up again at the end.

The concert was more than worth it though. Absolutely incredible. Such talented band members under the direction of Colonel Larry H. Lang.

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This was the first time I’ve ever heard a Euphonium as a solo instrument. The guy could really play but a strange pick, at least for me, as a solo. (I played an oboe in high school and college.)

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However, the Singing Sergeants stole the show. Especially this man. Please excuse the horrible picture. He brought down the house when he sang Ole Man River. WOW!

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We had a wonderful time and it was FREE. If you are ever in the area of one of the United States military band concerts, do not miss it.

I’m going to save our other fun time for the next blog. Have a wonderful evening and don’t eat too much candy.

19 comments:

  1. I especially liked your blog today, because it involved music! I wonder how many times I have confused the baritone horn with a Euphonium. I also enjoyed reading that you played the oboe in H.S. and College. I also played the oboe in H.S. during concert season and at the H.S. games and the parades we marched in I played where ever I was needed in the percussion section but mainly the glockenspiel. Also anytime we are anywhere close to military bands in concert, we are there!! Luv, luv, luv them. I was just a wee bit jealous but so glad you got a chance to hear them.

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  2. I am so happy that you were able to have that experience. We try to never miss military concerts. They are always superb!

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  3. Sounds like you had a good evening once you got off the elevator..

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  4. The oboe is a tough instrument. I'm impressed. I very briefly tried my hand at the bassoon, so I can appreciate the difficulty of playing any double reeded instrument. Couldn't make a peep now if you put a gun to my head though I'm afraid.
    Concerts are always fun. Good to see you got to go. Can't beat the price either!

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  5. When I was driving for Trailways I drove the Air Force Band from St Louis to Fort Leavenworth KS for a Memorial Day Concert at the Fort. Like you said what a performance. Glad you were able to get to see it.Oh yeah before I forget I played all the bass instruments in high school including the Sousaphone Tuba,Like Bob said they were easy compared to an oboe. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

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  7. Sorry about deleting the previous comment - I had a typo that I wanted removed. :( Anyway...this is what it should have said:

    When I was assistant to the publisher of the local newspaper in Merced, CA, one of my jobs was to plan events that the paper sponsored. One event was having one of the military bands play for us in Merced. It was a very interesting process to get them booked, and you had to do it early - they are very busy.

    When they performed, mostly music but some singers, too, they were the best musicians I've ever heard. At times there wasn't a dry eye in the house, and the applause was deafening. Truly an experience to remember. I'm so glad you were able to attend their concert and that you enjoyed it so much. :)

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  8. I love live music of any kind. The bigger the better, the louder the better.

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  9. Love to see my tax dollars at work! Glad you enjoyed them. :c)

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  10. Sounds like a wonderful experience! Wish we were there!

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  11. Free is almost always best. The restrooms for women are usually lacking. The line is always way too long.

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  12. My oldest daughter played the flute in marching band and the oboe in concert band! I never played in the band in high school but I was a fantastic band mom with my kids in jr and sr high. Fond memories.

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  13. Glad to hear you are getting out and about a bit before the upcoming surgery. That building sure looks impressive.

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  14. happy halloween to you and Jim and the doggies too!!

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  15. I just want to thank you two so much for all the kind messages, cards, & beautiful flowers!!
    I tried sitting down and writing Thank You Cards this morning and I JUST CAN'T, not yet anyway. I tore up the one that I started. This is just all such a nitemare....it can't be true...but I know that it is. God will help me get through it. Everyone has been so kind and loving!!!! And I really appreciate it.
    Jim is your surgery and out patient type or no? I would thiink that you would have to be hospitalized. My prayers will be with you both!!! You have a GREAT NURSE there Jim. Love you both!! <3 CLM

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  16. Glad to hear, and see, that you all enjoyed the concert. What a beautiful looking building. Sure glad it was built there and not in Baghdad.

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  17. I love concerts but not concert crowds. I haven't actually been to one for several years. The Minnesota Orchestra plays in our local park July 3rd but the mosquitoes are so bad I hate to go even though I love the music.

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Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.