Austin Civic Wind Ensemble newsletter
ACWE holiday hat
The Downbeat
ACWE Newsletter
December 2020
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The ACWE Board would like to wish all of our members a Happy Holiday
season. We hope to see you again and to come together for weekly
rehearsals in 2021. We will continue to monitor COVID numbers in the
Austin area. When it is safe to return, we will give band members a few
weeks’ notice so that you can be ready to play again.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not an instrument was stirring, not even a trombone.
When you play the trombone, you don’t have to rhyme.
Just move the slide and buzz your lips, and have a good sound!
While COVID-19 restrictions remain still in place,
In our minds small rehearsals and outdoor, masked gatherings occupy space.
Our board meetings produce some answers, but even more questions,
We all want to play together, but understand the restrictions.
Musicians can’t gather, it’s all a big pain,
While it’s in our homes we mostly remain;
And inside I crave that which makes me most proud,
A song marked pianissimo being played ACWE loud!
One thinks about “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming”,
With low brass and trumpets at their stands just booming;
The voice of the ghost that folks hear but don’t see,
It’s Robert… it’s Robert… he’s yelling at me!
“Now, SAXES! now, FRENCH HORNS! now, CLARINETS and FLUTES!
And SNARE DRUM! and BASS DRUM! and OBOE, BASSOON!
It’s PIANO! it’s PIANO! it’s PIANO! I say!!!!
If that’s how THEY do it, don’t copy their WAY!”
One’s heart yearns for something akin to that scene,
But COVID, oh COVID, has ruined the scheme;
You’d think that with this isolation I might
Pick up my horn… practice while I have the time;
Well, that hasn’t happened but it’s not my fault,
I just can’t stand practicing inside a vault;
I know I’ll be rusty, I know I’ll offend,
But this is my ACWE, I’m well among friends;
And If my horn sounds like a cat that’s been treed,
I’ll order some cork grease, some valve oil or reeds;
For I know it’s Robert, my band friends and such,
And they will receive me with a hug and won’t judge;
As I sit and ponder these thoughts I envision,
A post-ACWE night during Holiday season:
The Pour House is closing, it’s time to depart,
The barbershop folks leave… we’re cozy at heart.
Our glasses are empty, and we’ve paid the bill,
My friends now disperse to their cars down the hill.
But I hear them exclaim, ere they drive out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
Reminder: ACWE survey
Thank you to everyone who completed our December survey! If you haven’t
had the chance to take it yet, you may do so here
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9vcLP4kIhCaSHj59NkM7vZFSP_D23oyM22K05pwUtZteqlw/viewform?usp=sf_link>.
This is a short, 5 question survey that the Board will use to guide our
planning for ACWE’s activities in 2021, including when and how we
eventually return to in-person rehearsals.
The safety of our members is our top priority, and any decisions made by
the Board regarding the upcoming season will adhere to current
State/local requirements and will follow CDC guidance. Please stay safe
and healthy!
Take the survey
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9vcLP4kIhCaSHj59NkM7vZFSP_D23oyM22K05pwUtZteqlw/viewform?usp=sf_link>
Digital Masterclasses
In early 2021, we will offer digital masterclasses during our normal
rehearsal times. We are working with music professionals in the Austin
area to join us and provide experienced views, techniques, and “insider
tips” for becoming a better musician. Topics to include:
* Becoming a better player (with leading woodwind and brass professionals)
* Keeping your horn in great shape (cleaning, adjustment, tune-ups)
* Using music software for notation, accompaniment, and recording
Noteworthy
As 2020 closes, the ACWE Board wishes to acknowledge the passing of one
of the band’s long-time members, Ted Rachofsky (who passed in July). His
wife Marcia wanted the band to know how much Ted enjoyed playing with
ACWE, and appreciated the kind words and thoughts she received from the
band members. Ted -- you will be missed!
On October 6 Laura Larsen (bass clarinetist) and her family welcomed
Tyler, their newest family member.
Join us to kick off the new year with an *online New Years celebration*
on *Tuesday, January 5th* at our normal rehearsal time, 7:30PM.
Family members, drinks, snacks, costumes are welcome and even live music
if anyone would like to play a little tune on their instrument. Learn
more about the upcoming masterclasses and other cool things planned on
the horizon!
Guest conductor
Keep the music flowing
Since not every band member is practicing daily (practice what? Ha-ha!),
it might be worth noting that even periodically putting a few notes
through your horn--or, buzzing your mouthpiece--can have a remarkable
impact on your embouchure! Your embouchure is just muscle, and like any
other musculature, it responds to regular exercise. Don’t be afraid to
get started--the body is very forgiving! By just ‘playing’ for 5 minutes
a day, your chops will be back in shape, in no time! Guaranteed!
(Percussionists--you’re on your own!)
If you’re craving holiday band music, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is
streaming a free holiday concert from now through January 6th. You might
even hear a couple ACWE Christmas favorites!
https://my.austinsymphony.org/donate/q/averymerrysymphony
<https://my.austinsymphony.org/donate/q/averymerrysymphony>
In case you missed it, ACWE was instrumental in providing music for the
2020 Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Virtual Ceremony -
https://youtu.be/Hv50GgnbHQk <https://youtu.be/Hv50GgnbHQk>
Tree lighting <https://youtu.be/Hv50GgnbHQk/>
Ellen
Take a break
While we are on our extended break, I am always looking for ideas for
free or almost free music. Here is a list of websites and ideas that I
found:
* Free sheet music on 8notes.com <https://www.8notes.com/> This
website is subscription based. It offers a limited selection of free
music for different instruments and playing levels.
* Free Flute Sheet Music at flutetunes.com
<https://www.flutetunes.com/> - This website is for flute players.
It offers a tune of the day and collections of flute music for
different levels of players.
* Free-scores.com <https://www.free-scores.com/index_uk.php>: World
Free Sheet Music (PDF, MIDI, MP3) (free-scores.com) This is a
website of free music for all types of instruments and levels of
players. There are original compositions featured on the website.
* clarinetinstitute.com <https://www.clarinetinstitute.com/>. Don’t be
fooled by the name. This website offers free music for all types of
instruments.
* An application that I found for Apple ipads and i-phones is
*Metronaut*. It is a subscription service, but it is possible to buy
individual pieces online. It offers accompaniments to the pieces so
that you get the experience of playing in an ensemble.
- Ellen Knapton, Vice President
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AUSTIN CIVIC WIND ENSEMBLE
PO BOX 9893, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78766 USA
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