July 13, 2026 Director’s Notes
Hello everyone!
Another fun morning of making music together! Thank you for your enthusiasm, flexibility, and willingness to keep stretching yourselves. Every week I see more confidence, better rhythm reading, and stronger ensemble playing. Keep up the great work!
This Week’s Rehearsal
Wipe Out
We kicked things off with Wipe Out and continued working at a comfortable tempo. Alan W. gave us a demonstration of the speed we’re ultimately working toward, and I’ve decided to set our long-term goal at quarter note = 160.
I estimate we’re currently around 120, so don’t worry—we’re not jumping there overnight! We’ll gradually increase the tempo a little each rehearsal until we find the fastest speed that still feels comfortable and musical.
If you’d like to hear the original 1963 recording for inspiration, give it a listen:
https://youtu.be/m4IfxAQ4TqQ
America the Beautiful
We had our first complete run-through of this beautiful arrangement! On our second pass, we focused on the dynamics, and the musical contrasts really started to come alive. Those soft and loud moments make all the difference.
Incredibles
What an improvement from last week! Your rhythm reading was excellent, and it really showed. We spent some extra time on the transition into 5/4 at rehearsal mark 46, and each repetition became more confident for all of us.
Champion
Several of you took the leap and played the full parts this week. Thank you for being brave and giving them a try! It really helped fill in some of the musical holes we noticed last rehearsal. I think this piece is going to come together very nicely over the next few weeks.
Blue Rock
Thank you for being flexible and pulling out Blue Rock instead of Beginner’s Rock! It was great to revisit this one and keep it fresh in our rotation.
Fandango Festival
Fantastic job! I can tell this has become one of your favorites. The energy and excitement you brought to the piece were obvious, and it was a joy to conduct.
Celebration for Winds
A solid run-through that helped keep the piece fresh. Sometimes a quick review is exactly what a piece needs.
Alamo… and an Unexpected Change!
We started Alamo, but discovered an incorrect euphonium part that made it difficult to continue. Instead, we took a great suggestion from the flute section and switched to Dance of the Magyars.
What a fun decision that turned out to be!
Like Wipe Out, this piece is intended to be played at a brisk tempo—around 180. We were understandably much slower on our first reading, but that’s exactly where we should be. We’ll gradually increase the tempo over the coming weeks and work toward the fastest speed that still feels comfortable and controlled.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
We’ll be working on:
Wipe Out
Champion
America the Beautiful
Dance of the Magyars
Incredibles
Go With the Flow
Star-Spangled Banner
Raiders March
Thank you all for your hard work and positive attitudes. Every rehearsal I see more growth—not just individually, but as an ensemble. Keep practicing, keep having fun, and I’ll see you next Monday!