Why didn't I think of that earlier?

This morning I tried playing "Yakkity Sax" on the alto, and the best alto I have for use as the teacher. It went pretty well, and the gym teacher came in the room commenting on how he knew the song. :-) Visions of Benny Hill danced through my head, all at high-speed motion, no less.

This is a trying time for me. I was hoping to be farther along with the band than I am. The second song still needs a lot of work, and the third song has only been touched on for the most part. I know this will turn out ok, it's just a realization of how long preparing a concert really takes. I pessimistically think that I'll have to choose the spring concert songs right after Christmas and only work on those, leaving behind all the other lessons in the method book. While this isn't true, it will take more than one 'regular' year for me to get a good feel as to how far along I can have these kids perform for their second concert. It's still my first year. :-)

So, for those of y'all in Pgh., the "Spring Celebration of the Arts" is going to be next Thursday, April 30th, at 6:30 in the Wilkinsburg high school auditorium. The concert is free, and will feature all of the district's performing ensembles at the elementary, middle and high school level. The elementary band will perform after the first intermission so that their families don't just up and leave after their performance. There is a reception to follow, for which I'm playing in a jazz trio. If you're interested in coming, please comment. If not, comment about something else. :-P