The Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra is hosting a screening of Mr. Holland's Opus at the Galaxy Theater next Tuesday, October 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, with all proceeds benefiting the orchestra.
As a bonus, two groups will be performing live music prior to the movie. The clarinet quintet will be performing in the theater itself, while the brass quintet (that's me!) will be performing in the theater lobby. Both groups plan to start playing around 6:00 p.m., although the brass group is hoping to kick things off a little earlier, if the tuba player can make it from Puyallup on time.
We'd love you have you join in the fundraiser, but honestly, if you just want to hear some fun brass music, come on by from 5:45-6:30 and hang out in the lobby. I think you'll be impressed.
Showing posts with label Gig Harbor Orchestra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gig Harbor Orchestra. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Want some Good Music?
The Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra Presents
Season Finale Concert
Saturday, May 15, 7:00 p.m.
Featuring:
Mozart's Serenade in Eb, arranged for Five Clarinets
Doppler's Flute Duettino
The GHPSO Brass Quintent (that's me!)
playing selections ranging from Bach to Gospel, from Baroque to Jazz
More information can be found at the GHPSO website
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mark your calendars
On Saturday, May 15, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra will be holding our annual Spring Concert. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., the show is being held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Gig Harbor.
There will be a number of chamber groups performing, including our brass quintet.
There will be a number of chamber groups performing, including our brass quintet.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Once More about the concert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Seasonal organ and brass, arias and sing-along music highlight Dec. 12 concert
The Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra (GHPSO) announces its annual Holiday Concert program for 7 p.m., Saturday, December 12, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 7701 Skansie Avenue in Gig Harbor. The festive event includes popular local organist Jeff Orr, a brass quartet, soprano Meg Daly and a seasonal sing-along.
“Our program will feature soprano Meg Daly, offering selected arias from Handel’s “Messiah” and the return of Jeff Orr,” states GHPSO Artistic Director Louie Labayen. “Orr will present Charpentier’s Te Deum along with other festive music for organ and brass that will feature GHPSO brass musicians Manny Garcia and Dan Whitmarsh on trumpet, Vince Young on French horn and Paul Casely on trombone.
A suggested donation of $5 per child, $10 per adult and $25 per family will benefit the orchestra but admission is free. Childcare will also be available by donation. Refreshments will follow the performance.
The GHPSO season of “Musical Interludes” will continue with the annual with the Valentine’s Concert on February 13, built around Mozart’s Grand Partita. St. John’s Episcopal will also host this event.
Labayen notes that GHPSO’s new season, like those of many orchestras across the country, is one contracted by current economic factors, looking to reinvent their community programs and test new models for sustainability. Committed to keeping the music alive in Gig Harbor, Labayen spent the summer planning what was possible with reduced funding and fewer musicians.
GHPSO, founded in 2005 to bring great music on a professional level to the Gig Harbor, Key and Lower Peninsula areas, is a 501(c)3 non-profit. The group receives significant sponsorship from the Gig Harbor Arts Commission, HarborStone Credit Union, MultiCare Health System, St. John’s Episcopal Church and other private donors. More musicians and volunteers are sought.
For more information on GHPSO, call (253) 238-6035 or go to www.GigHarborOrchestra.org.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
If you're looking for something to do. . .
On Saturday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m., the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra will be holding its Christmas concert at St. John's Episcopal Church in Gig Harbor. The concert will include arias from Messiah sung by Meg Daly, organ solos by Jeff Orr, and quite a bit of brass music, including duets and brass quintets, featuring GHPSO's brass section: Manny Garcia and Dan Whitmarsh (that's me!), trumpet; Vince Young, French Horn, and Paul Casely, trombone. There will also be a holiday sing-along, giving the audience a chance to participate.
Admission is free, although there is a suggested donation of $10 per adult, $5 per student or child, or $25 per family.
For more information, including directions, check out the GHPSO website.
---------------
In addition, this Sunday (12/6) is the annual tree-lighting and visit from Santa in Key Center. I'll be playing there with the Down Home Band, so stop by and say hi.
Admission is free, although there is a suggested donation of $10 per adult, $5 per student or child, or $25 per family.
For more information, including directions, check out the GHPSO website.
---------------
In addition, this Sunday (12/6) is the annual tree-lighting and visit from Santa in Key Center. I'll be playing there with the Down Home Band, so stop by and say hi.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
But we have a strong trumpet section
Nice article in the Tacoma News Tribune about this Saturday's concert of the Gig Harbor Symphony, and the challenges of the current season.
Take special note of the line "but we have a strong trumpet section."
Take special note of the line "but we have a strong trumpet section."
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Somewhat excited. . .somewhat nervous
About a year ago I joined the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra. I was quite happy to audition for, and be accepted to, the 2nd Trumpet chair.
I don't know if you realize that that's a little odd. . .trumpet players tend to be on the cocky side, and don't usually 'settle' for anything other than lead. In any given band, there is a pecking order, and the lead trumpet stands at the top. The top to which the rest enviously aspire (note: this is the position I have acquired in the Down Home Band, and am enjoying all the glory and glamor there, thank you very much). So to be happy for 2nd trumpet. . .I realize I'm letting the brotherhood down, ruining our reputation.
Except:
1) The lead trumpet, Manny, is a really nice guy. And a good player, too.
2) My life is stressful enough, and there's something to be said about the lack of pressure in that 2nd trumpet chair. No expectation, no blame if things go wrong. I just show up, toot a few notes, receive the same applause as everybody else, and go home. It's actually quite relaxing after a long week of ministry. So I'm content.
However
This year, we've lost some players, and are fighting a tight budget, so the orchestra is taking a little break. Instead of regular concerts with the full symphony, each concert will be made up of smaller ensembles, mostly playing chamber music. Oct. 24 is the first show, and it will be our clarinet section playing . . .wait for it. . .clarinet music. Solos and trios and such.
The Christmas concert is in the final stages of coming together. Louie Labayen, our director, has hired in Jeff Orr, an organist par excellence, to play a few numbers (Jeff played in last year's holiday concert as well). In addition, he wants the trumpets to play some brass numbers, creating a festive feel for this Christmas season. It looks like, in addition to the organ numbers, there will be some trumpet solos and duets, and some brass quintet stuff, as well. We're talking about Charpentier's Te Deum, Handel's The Trumpet Shall Sound, perhaps a little Ave Maria or Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Maybe Handel's Alla Hornpipe.
In other words, lots of high brass, lots of exposure, lots of exciting playing. Exactly what Christmas ought to be.
But also, a lot of pressure. A whole lot of practicing. A lot of getting the lip back into shape for some piccolo trumpet work. Essentially, going from being the lowly 2nd trumpet player tooting a few notes, to being one of two or five carrying the whole show.
Of course, Manny's still lead, so more of it falls on him. But I'll admit it - I'm both excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because I love Christmas and I love Christmas music and I picture in my mind a glorious night celebrating music and the season (and yes, the birth of Christ). But nervous because I've got a lot of practicing to do in the next two months if I'm going to be ready for this.
So much for my peaceful little world.
The concert will be Saturday night, Dec. 12, 7:00 p.m., at St. John's Episcopal Church in Gig Harbor, so if you're in the area, come on by. I'll be the guy in the tux.
I don't know if you realize that that's a little odd. . .trumpet players tend to be on the cocky side, and don't usually 'settle' for anything other than lead. In any given band, there is a pecking order, and the lead trumpet stands at the top. The top to which the rest enviously aspire (note: this is the position I have acquired in the Down Home Band, and am enjoying all the glory and glamor there, thank you very much). So to be happy for 2nd trumpet. . .I realize I'm letting the brotherhood down, ruining our reputation.
Except:
1) The lead trumpet, Manny, is a really nice guy. And a good player, too.
2) My life is stressful enough, and there's something to be said about the lack of pressure in that 2nd trumpet chair. No expectation, no blame if things go wrong. I just show up, toot a few notes, receive the same applause as everybody else, and go home. It's actually quite relaxing after a long week of ministry. So I'm content.
However
This year, we've lost some players, and are fighting a tight budget, so the orchestra is taking a little break. Instead of regular concerts with the full symphony, each concert will be made up of smaller ensembles, mostly playing chamber music. Oct. 24 is the first show, and it will be our clarinet section playing . . .wait for it. . .clarinet music. Solos and trios and such.
The Christmas concert is in the final stages of coming together. Louie Labayen, our director, has hired in Jeff Orr, an organist par excellence, to play a few numbers (Jeff played in last year's holiday concert as well). In addition, he wants the trumpets to play some brass numbers, creating a festive feel for this Christmas season. It looks like, in addition to the organ numbers, there will be some trumpet solos and duets, and some brass quintet stuff, as well. We're talking about Charpentier's Te Deum, Handel's The Trumpet Shall Sound, perhaps a little Ave Maria or Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Maybe Handel's Alla Hornpipe.
In other words, lots of high brass, lots of exposure, lots of exciting playing. Exactly what Christmas ought to be.
But also, a lot of pressure. A whole lot of practicing. A lot of getting the lip back into shape for some piccolo trumpet work. Essentially, going from being the lowly 2nd trumpet player tooting a few notes, to being one of two or five carrying the whole show.
Of course, Manny's still lead, so more of it falls on him. But I'll admit it - I'm both excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because I love Christmas and I love Christmas music and I picture in my mind a glorious night celebrating music and the season (and yes, the birth of Christ). But nervous because I've got a lot of practicing to do in the next two months if I'm going to be ready for this.
So much for my peaceful little world.
The concert will be Saturday night, Dec. 12, 7:00 p.m., at St. John's Episcopal Church in Gig Harbor, so if you're in the area, come on by. I'll be the guy in the tux.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Thursday Stuff
Maestro Louis Labayan, conductor of the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchesta, has asked Manny Garcia (First Chair Trumpet) and myself if we could come up with some exciting music for trumpet and organ, to be performed at our Holiday Concert in December.
So yes, that is Christmas music playing in the background. I was going to hold off until late November, but this is an unfortunate research-related necessity.
Currently, I'm listening to Brass Mosaic's A Brass Christmas.
+++++++++++++++
I was playing around with some ideas for an updated church bulletin, and came up with a new revised version of the Covenant Affirmations. What do you think?
As part of the Evangelical Covenant Church, we affirm:
1. People ought to read the Bible
2. People need to get converted
3. People need to listen to the Holy Spirit
4. We need to do stuff for God
5. The Church is God's people
6. We all need to play nice
+++++++++++++++
This morning, Wes, Tammy, Ron and I went and toured Camp Colman, in preparation for our Alpha retreat there in a couple weeks. I'm excited. . .
+++++++++++++++
The Gig Garbor Gateway published a very nice article about last Sunday's Blessing ceremony for Fire, Law, EMT, EMS personnel, and included a lovely picture of Olivia and Clara climbing into a fire truck. The only problem was that the Gateway gave our girls boys' names on accident.
+++++++++++++++
Lakebay people: we're going to be singing a new song on Sunday. If you want to learn it ahead of time, watch this:
So yes, that is Christmas music playing in the background. I was going to hold off until late November, but this is an unfortunate research-related necessity.
Currently, I'm listening to Brass Mosaic's A Brass Christmas.
+++++++++++++++
I was playing around with some ideas for an updated church bulletin, and came up with a new revised version of the Covenant Affirmations. What do you think?
As part of the Evangelical Covenant Church, we affirm:
1. People ought to read the Bible
2. People need to get converted
3. People need to listen to the Holy Spirit
4. We need to do stuff for God
5. The Church is God's people
6. We all need to play nice
+++++++++++++++
This morning, Wes, Tammy, Ron and I went and toured Camp Colman, in preparation for our Alpha retreat there in a couple weeks. I'm excited. . .
+++++++++++++++
The Gig Garbor Gateway published a very nice article about last Sunday's Blessing ceremony for Fire, Law, EMT, EMS personnel, and included a lovely picture of Olivia and Clara climbing into a fire truck. The only problem was that the Gateway gave our girls boys' names on accident.
+++++++++++++++
Lakebay people: we're going to be singing a new song on Sunday. If you want to learn it ahead of time, watch this:
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
GHPSO Seeks Sponsors, musicians, volunteers
The Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra is seeking sponsors for our upcoming 5th Anniversary Season. Local Individuals and businesses who wish to donate to the orchestra will receive publicity in our concert brochures. They will also prove to the world they are people of fine taste and sophistication.
In addition, the GHPSO has openings for more musicians. Specifically, we are looking for more string players, oboe, bassoon, and french horn.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in playing or being a sponsor, please let me know, or contact the orchestra through our website.
In addition, the GHPSO has openings for more musicians. Specifically, we are looking for more string players, oboe, bassoon, and french horn.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in playing or being a sponsor, please let me know, or contact the orchestra through our website.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
For those with discriminating musical tastes
On Friday, May 8, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra will be performing its season finale concert at St. John's Episcopal Church. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m., and run approximately two hours, with a brief intermission.
Musical selections will include:
Schubert: Overture in the Italian Style
Mozart: Turkish Violin Concerto
Haydn: Symphony 104 (London)
This concert will feature GHPSO concertmaster Dr. Joshua Friedlander, as well as guest conductor Dr. Nikolas Caoile.
Admission is free, although there is a suggested donation of $10 per adult, $25 per family.
Musical selections will include:
Schubert: Overture in the Italian Style
Mozart: Turkish Violin Concerto
Haydn: Symphony 104 (London)
This concert will feature GHPSO concertmaster Dr. Joshua Friedlander, as well as guest conductor Dr. Nikolas Caoile.
Admission is free, although there is a suggested donation of $10 per adult, $25 per family.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Updates on music and electricity
We finally got the power restored to the back 1/2 of the house this morning, thanks to Chuck's detective work. Turns out there was a wire burned off inside an outlet we never use. But all is better now.
___
Last night we of the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra read through the music for our May concert. Of the three we read, there are finally some significant trumpet parts in two of them - the Haydn 104 (London) and the Schubert Overture in D in the Italian style. Still mostly punch chords and brief fanfares, but a whole lot more than the 25 notes we played in the last concert.
Maestro Labayen recently informed us we'll be doing a combined concert with the Peninsula High School band in May as well, performing, among other things, Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, and "Nimrod" from the Enigma Variations. It appears the year will conclude with a much larger bang than it started, at least so far as my playing is concerned.
___
Last night we of the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra read through the music for our May concert. Of the three we read, there are finally some significant trumpet parts in two of them - the Haydn 104 (London) and the Schubert Overture in D in the Italian style. Still mostly punch chords and brief fanfares, but a whole lot more than the 25 notes we played in the last concert.
Maestro Labayen recently informed us we'll be doing a combined concert with the Peninsula High School band in May as well, performing, among other things, Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, and "Nimrod" from the Enigma Variations. It appears the year will conclude with a much larger bang than it started, at least so far as my playing is concerned.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Musical Notes
This Friday, February 13, is the next concert of the Gig Harbor Peninsula Symphony Orchestra. It well begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Songs to be performed include:
Sibelius: Valse Triste
Barber: Adagio for Strings
Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen
Kreisler: Liebeslied and Liebesfreud
Haydn: Symphony No. 91
As this is the night before Valentine's Day, there is a lot of sweet, romantic, syrupy music in there.
Further information, including directions, can be found here.
One note, however.
Of those five wonderful songs, we trumpets only play in one - the Sarasate number. And within that entire piece, we trumpets play around 25 notes. Total. A couple little fanfares and such.
So, if you're looking for wonderful, romantic music on a pre-Valentine's night, a lush night out with your beloved, please do come and enjoy the show.
But, if you're coming specifically because you know me and want to hear me play my horn in the symphony, you might be a little disappointed in the brevity of my playing.
Still, I hope to see some of you there!
Sibelius: Valse Triste
Barber: Adagio for Strings
Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen
Kreisler: Liebeslied and Liebesfreud
Haydn: Symphony No. 91
As this is the night before Valentine's Day, there is a lot of sweet, romantic, syrupy music in there.
Further information, including directions, can be found here.
One note, however.
Of those five wonderful songs, we trumpets only play in one - the Sarasate number. And within that entire piece, we trumpets play around 25 notes. Total. A couple little fanfares and such.
So, if you're looking for wonderful, romantic music on a pre-Valentine's night, a lush night out with your beloved, please do come and enjoy the show.
But, if you're coming specifically because you know me and want to hear me play my horn in the symphony, you might be a little disappointed in the brevity of my playing.
Still, I hope to see some of you there!
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