I was absolutley thrilled with the performances of our Eckerd College band and orchestra two weeks ago. Both ensembles rose to the occasion and played at their best. We couldn't have done the band concert without the help of our wonderful New Horizons Band members who join us on certain instruments.
Sometimes I wish we had bigger numbers and played in larger venues, but their are rewards to playing in medium-small groups in rather intimate halls. I enjoy talking to the audiences, and they seem to appreciate it.
I was especially pleased to see so many college students in our concerts. This is a change for the better in my opinion. I appreciate our older audiences, but we all know what they mean if the younger audiences aren't cultivated. Being on the College Program Series helped a lot.
Thanksgiving was wonderful. I spent it with my friends on Davis Islands. Surrounded by a lot of Neurosurgery residnents, doctors, and nurses, it has become rather a tradition for me. Lots of good conversation!
We are in the final week of classes at Eckerd and at SPC both. Remaining tasks: final exam for music fundamentals, final performance class and juries at Eckerd, juries at SPC, New Horizons performances at the Florida Botanical Gardens Illuminated Christmas on Dec 12th at 6:30 and Pioneer Settlement in South St. Pete at noon on the 13th.
