PRESIDENTS WEEKEND

Fri, Feb 17, 2012. Last night Carol presented a very interesting video to our Neighborhood Assn. featuring one of our neighbors whose family was enslaved in South Carolina. The white family Plantation owner's descendants and the slave's descendants were researching that history. It's an amazing story captured on a PBS video. Great discussion and questions afterwards. Yesterday I did a concert for Tots, little preschoolers featuring our string quintet...solos and ensembles and games for the kids. Evidently this concert series has been going 35 years or so. My bass was new to the mix and it sounds like they want me back next year. Looking forward. Also got a call to perform Beethoven's 9th in June. Great. Playing Schumann's 1st and Saints-Saens Cello Cto. early March. Last month did Elgar Cello Concerto and Vaughn Williams Serenade to Music. I enjoy preparing and performing these pieces. This morning I am listening to Yo Yo Ma and his Brazilian friends...I want to play Brazilian, Spanish, and Argentinian Duos with Joel on Guitar and me on cello or bass. Am seeking tunes now. Brass Quintet continues Saturday, with a sub for Al this week, but we are looking forward to some recitals in the Spring. Also trying to put together a Nawlins styled Brass/Funk band four MapleWoodstock ala Dirty Dozen. The Country Band continues once everyone returns to NJ and the Blues Band is cranking back up for the summer months.
So, an annoying 2 week cold is finally lifting and we're doing good. Off to Mohonk for a little break soon. Before you know it we'll be back to Woodstock. I'm also trying to do a chamber music workshop in Vermont this spring. We'll see how it goes. Meantime we keep drawing, collaging etc. Peace. Stay Healthy. Thanks for catching up with us. JIM