Welcome to Westport Community Band

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BAND MEMBER INFORMATION

Just a reminder - there is no rehearsal this Monday, 9/26

WCB Rehearsal Reminder - Monday, September 19th!

Fellow Band Members,

Just a reminder that band rehearsals start on Monday September 19th. We will be rehearsing once again at Bedford Middle school at 7:30. You should have received music from Sal already, but if you haven’t, please contact him as soon as possible. You can reach him at sallarusso@gmail.com. Have a great weekend and we’ll see you on Monday night.

Fine,

Bill

FROM SAL

Hello Past and Present Members of the WCB!!

I am sending this note to all that appear in my most recent database of active and inactive members to make certain that anyone interested in joining (re-joining) the WCB has an invitation to do just that!

It has been an extremely trying time musically since our last "innocent" rehearsal in March of 2020. And with last year's rehearsals following many restrictions and relocations it almost feels like this is the year that we will get back to something that feels more "normal".. It is so exciting to say that I am thrilled to be preparing for our next chapter of music making as we begin our fall rehearsal schedule on September 19th at 7:30 in the Bedford Middle School's band room. To that end, I am hoping to see as many of you as possible making music together and rebuilding connections as we enter our 45th season!!

If you are receiving this email it means that you are considered part of our Westport Community Band Family and I will be sending music to all of last year's members to print out and bring with them to our first rehearsal. If you were a non-active member last year please let me know if you would like to have me move you to the "active" list and I will send music your way as well. Should you wish to be removed from this email chain entirely please let me know and I will update that information in our files.

On a related note for those interested... Some of you know that I am also the director of the Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble, WesWinds. That student/community ensemble meets on Tuesday evenings in Middletown and if any of you would be interested in learning any additional information regarding that group please feel free to reach out to me as well. Those rehearsals actually begin tomorrow evening, September 6th, and we are always looking to add anyone interested in having an additional chance to make music!

I can't wait to start our season in 2 weeks in Westport, and look so forward to beginning our 45th as an ensemble together!! I'm still trying to figure out exactly how many of those have included me at the podium but I know that it's at least 34!! How did that happen?...

Practice!!

Sal

Westport Community Band STARTS SEPT. 19th!!

Hail Fellow Band members,

We’ll, it’s that time of year again. You know, people say that a lot. If you stop and think about it, it’s always “that time of year.” It’s like saying, “no matter where you go, there you are!” Anyway I digress. It’s that time of year again and I hope you all had a great summer and are anxious to get started rehearsing again. The Jack Stamp commission piece, “The New Norm,” is completed and Sal will be forwarding music to you for our upcoming season shortly. Our first rehearsal will be on Monday September 19, at 7:30 in the Bedford Middle School band room. We will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols of being fully vaccinated so that we can keep all of our members safe. If you don’t feel well, please stay home and rest and drink plenty of fluids. I am told that wine does not qualify as a fluid for recovery. This will all be done on the honor system and we hope you will continue to monitor your own health carefully.

We’ll, there you have it. There’s another strange expression. One would think that it would be impossible to have “there,” but apparently you can. Maybe it’s the “it” that you are supposed to have??? Oh well, so there you have it. Get those instruments out and blow the dust off, (preferably through the mouthpiece) and we’ll see you on September 19th at our first rehearsal. Let me know if you have any questions. If I don’t know the answer, I’m sure I can make something up.

By the way, what’s the difference between the Westport Community Band and a fish???

Answer….You can’t Tuna Fish!

Fine,

Bill

Band member of the year 2022

Marcia Chithelen

It was my profound pleasure this week to present the Westport Community Band’s coveted “Band Member of the Year” award to Marcia Chithelen. Marcia has played tuba with the band for a number of years and has even served as president. During her presidency, the band was forced to disband because of COVID but in spite of all the inherent obstacles, Marcia was able to help hold the band together with monthly Zoom seminars presented by leading composers. The award is presented each year by the band’s Board of Directors to that member that exemplifies outstanding membership qualities. I must say, that this years vote was unanimous. Even though it is not a criteria, Marcia is an outstanding player that can be counted on to solidify the band’s performance. Her name has been engraved on the miniature carousel trophy that she can display with pride on her mantle or bookcase.
Bill