Carmina Burana and Other Ridiculously Awesome Band Pieces

Today I experienced one of the few positive things that came out of my whole job craziness.  The first thing is that I get to come home right after teaching lessons (which I mentioned in an earlier post).  The second one (which I discovered today) is that I get to play in the first concert of the symphonic band that I am in.  I usually couldn't do this concert as I was required to be at 3-hour long marching band rehearsals every Wednesday until the end of October.  Though a part of me really misses Fall marching band, an even bigger part of me is jumping up and down with joy that I can play some great music and avoid late night mosquito-fests on the football field.

Anyway, today's something new is a couple new band pieces we sight read tonight at rehearsal.  I will include a list/description/my reactions below.  But first a general commentary on rehearsal:  I NEED TO PRACTICE! It was a bit rough and I'm slightly embarrassed by my performance. I suppose it can only get better from here.  I did have a great time chatting and playing with some old and new friends. It's going to be a great season!

Here's the new music we played:

1) Canzona - Peter Menin -- This piece is not really new to me as I've played it twice (in college band and honors band). It's a great piece and I'm super happy to be playing it again.

2) Noisy Wheels of Joy - Eric Whitacre -- This will be pretty cool. We played it with woodwinds only tonight and a lot of missed accidentals so it should be better with brass and some practice ;-)

3) Dusk - Steven Bryant - Beautiful, and I have a solo! 

4) Carmina Burana - Orff/Krance - So excited to be playing this as I never have before! I purchased a recording on amazon mp3 right after rehearsal and listened to it the whole way home. Can't wait to practice it tomorrow (that's right, I'm going to practice tomorrow).

Should be a great concert. You're all invited, of course...more details to follow!.