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Band members Update

Westport Community Band rehearsal update

Fellow Band Members,

We thought we were seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but it turns out, it was just a mirage. I’m sorry to say, because of the tremendous surge in the COVID positivity rate, the board has decided to delay the start of our next rehearsal schedule until that rate declines. We are hoping that it will be sometime in the near future. We will monitor the situation, and we will keep you posted. In the mean time, booster shots will be required when we return so, do that as soon as possible and send a copy of your vaccination record to Patty at gelineau.music@sbcglobal.net. Patty is an active member of the medical community and is fully aware of the procedures and practices of the HIPAA regulations. So, stay safe and healthy and we will contact everyone when we are able to start rehearsal again.

Thanks,

Bill

From Sal

December News

From Sal

December News (including the concert video link!)

Twas the night before Christmas.... and boy has Bill Elias been busy!! You will find the link to our December 13th concert video below, and it is through the amazing videography wizardry of our very own "Elf Bill" that it has been completed in time for you to share with friends and relatives world wide in time for the holidays!! His magical editing skills are readily evident in this video and we are so very fortunate to have him on our side!!

The video link below can also be found on our Westport Community Band web page (www.westportcommunityband.com) as well as our WCB FaceBook page!! So, there are many ways that you can share the music!

I wish each and every one of you a joyous holiday season and can't wait to restart our band's journey in the new year! Watch your email for more WCB news, including where and when we will resume our next 6 weeks of rehearsals. If they are anything like the first 13 weeks we are sure to keep the spirit of music and camaraderie that Monday nights have come to represent over the past 4 decades!!!!

All Best, and Merry and Happy to all!!

Sal

Oh, and here is that link:

https://vimeo.com/659798101

Letter from Bill Elias

WCB - COVID Boosters

I am sure that you are fully aware that the covid infection rate is once again on the rise. As the song says, “You Are Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile,” it can also be said that you are not fully vaccinated without a booster shot. The state and federal governments are recommending that those individuals that are vaccinated should also get a booster shot. The board is strongly advising everyone to use this time off from playing to get your booster shot so that you are fully vaccinated when we resume rehearsals in January. We would hate to have to once again suspend rehearsal because too many of our members are sick or are refusing to get their booster shots. We waited a long time to start rehearsals and it would be a travesty to have to shut them down. Getting the booster is quite simple. I got mine at a CVS. They are being offered in most pharmacies, supermarkets and even Costco. So please, get your shot so we can finally get through this Damndemic.

Thanks,

Bill

We will be recording Monday (12/13)

Here’s the order of what we will rehearse and record:

Amazing Grace

El Camino Real

Ukrainian Bell Carol

Eighth Candle

Greensleeves

Carousel

Just a reminder to wear black pants, black shirt, black socks and shoes, the red web belt if you have one, and a festive scarf or hat if you would like.

If you arrive late, and the band is playing at the time, please wait until the band has finished before entering the room.

Also, please remain quiet after a piece until you hear me yell "clear" so that I have some dead space for editing.

Thanks,

Bill

Letter from Bill Elias

I would like to take a moment to welcome all the new board members to the fray and I look forward to a productive year.

Just a reminder, only one more rehearsal, Monday 12/6, before our recording on Monday Dec. 13.

Please make sure to make the rehearsal so that our recording can be impeccable, or whatever comes close to impeccable.

On the night of the recording, please arrive early so that we are ready to start recording at 7:30. If you should arrive late, please don’t enter the room until the piece being played is completed.

We will also be wearing our concert uniform of all black, black pants, black shirts, black shoes and black socks. If you would like to wear a festive scarf or hat, please feel free to do so.

After our recording, we will be on vacation until Monday 1/24/22, but try to get your donations and dues to Pattie as soon as possible before that. When we do resume rehearsals, you will be informed well in advance as to where our rehearsal will be held.

One last thing, Sal always looks forward to any comments or concerns that you may have about the band, both positive and negative. But, if you feel uncomfortable about addressing those concerns directly to Sal, please feel free to speak to a board member and your concern will be addressed anonymously.

By the way, how many trumpet players does it take to change a light bulb.

Five, one to change the bulb and four others to tell him how much better they could have done it.

Bill

A note from our new board

Band members

Given the unknown as it relates to the current climate of the COVID virus and its variants and to keep us all safe, the following requirements have been made by the board of directors:

1- All band members must wear masks when not in their seats unless standing outside. Wearing masks while playing is encouraged.

2- The use of bell covers is strongly encouraged

3- Chairs have been arranged to give members the most distance between players therefore members who arrive late are asked to sit in an open area as opposed to "squeezing in" between other players.

Letter from Marcia

Penfield Participants

Hi Penfield Participants!

Penfield is turning out to be a great rehearsal spot -- and now we have a great opportunity to extend into December.

The band reached into its coffers for our first six weeks. Now, an extremely generous anonymous donor has come forward and offered to match up to $750 toward the NEXT six weeks of rehearsals. The challenge: Over the next three weeks, we need to raise $750 to take full advantage of the match. With our donations + the match, $1500 will fund the Penfield Pavilion through to December 6th.

So, please, contribute a little. Contribute a lot. But please help pitch in. (Maybe you want to be our next matching donor??) You can make your donations to our Treasurer Patty Gelineau (first clarinet section) or catch me or Jim in the tuba section. Donations as always are tax-deductible.

Thanks in advance - it's great to have the band back together - let's keep things rolling!

Best,
Marcia

Musical Notes

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT

Hey Band - Have heard great things about the Levitt Pavilion concert! So sorry to have had to miss it.
Hats off to those who did so much to make it a successful event:

Sal, Susan and Lindsey for organizing all the music!
Susan for schlepping percussion!
Nan for boosting our visibility via web and Facebook!
Lisa for taking care of uniforms!
Patty for coordinating insurance!
Ken and Bill for their awesome photo and videography!
And to all of you who performed, attended, talked it up or were just there in spirit - well done!

If I left anyone off the list, the error is mine - lmk and I'll update.
Next up: We're working on getting things lined up for the Fall!.Watch your email for updates and for our Annual Meeting Report (due to COVID, we'll just share EOY info and plans--and you can get back to us with any comments/questions.)Best, Marcia

Memorial Day Parade - A big thank you!!

Thanks to all who marched today and helped to make the Westport Memorial Day Parade a success! And special thanks to:

Ian - for his musical leadership

Susan - for stepping in to coordinate music and more

Lisa B and Corky - for making everyone look sharp

Geoff - for carting instruments and equipment

So great that the weather cleared in time! Heard you all sounded awesome. Wish I could've been there...Best to all, Marcia

WCB MASTER CLASS RECORDINGS

Master Class Recordings

For those who have missed these - or want to view them again - below find links to prior Master Classes. Enjoy!

Carolyn Barber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpSLCE-JTOA

Milt Allen: https://youtu.be/_h0qWzcOfkc

Sam Hazo: https://youtu.be/DacF4Nn8GOU

Mark Camphouse: https://youtu.be/wCUSaPUaJ5I

Jerry Rife: https://youtu.be/KDoVMkok64I

Anne McGinty: https://youtu.be/NxYoKRy7UYA

Thank you!

Hey Band,

Giving Day was a tremendous success - and we want to thank each and every one of you, whether you gave a little, a lot, or simply endured the onslaught of emails.There's still uncertainty about when and where we'll be able to reconvene, but two things are sure -
1) We're looking forward to it (oh, are we ever)!
2) We're more financially secure in approaching that date today than we were two days ago.
Hang in there, be well, and don't forget to practice!
Best,
The Board

FROM SAL

Hello All...

I want to take a moment today to say thank you... not only for a wonderful gift of appreciation (I received a very generous gift card yesterday from the members of the band) but also for allowing me to maintain a connection to a feeling of cultural relevance. The opportunity to bring icons in the world of music to your living rooms during our "Master Class Mondays" has been a balm to the open wound of musical stagnation. The sword has two edges however, as the joy of listening to and discussing some of the compositional gems that we have experienced also reminds us of the very inexplicable experience of not being able to be together... I am hopeful that this bi-weekly band aid will prove to be only a void filler though and that as soon as practical (and possible) we will find ourselves back together, making the exploration and joy of creating music come alive while sitting side by side in a socially un-distanced way!!

Thank you again for being who you are and for allowing me the opportunity to redefine who I am, week to week...

Till we meet again,

Sal

PS: Please place March 8th on your calendars! Composer Sam Hazo will be spending an hour with us that evening to share his compositional insight and musical artistry. I can't wait for you to meet him and hear his story! Please feel free to share the Zoom link when you receive it with anyone that you think would enjoy the hour!!!!

Giving Day February 25th

Giving Day starts Thursday, February 25th at midnight and runs for 24 hours.
Please consider giving on Giving Day.

Give a little, give a lot - whatever you're comfortable with in these trying times.

Thank you for supporting the arts.

Westport Community Band

Donate to Westport Community Band here

BAND MEMBERS

Since we will not have rehearsals for the rest of the year, dues are suspended for the fall semester. Additionally, all Board members have agreed to stay on for the 2020-2021 season.

if anyone is interested in producing a virtual music video for the WCB, please send us an email!

Thanks all!

Marcia & Emily

LETTER FROM MARCIA

BAND REHEARSALS

All Band Members

All Band Rehearsal are

paused until further notice

MONDAYS

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Bedford Middle School

88 North Avenue, Westport.

Directions

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LISTEN TO OUR BAND!!!

New Music Videos added from our

"Play with the Community Band"

Concerts

CLICK HERE

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Please click on the menu at the top

right for further information.

~Updated December 12, 2021

WESTPORT COMMUNITY BAND CONTACT

email address -

westportctcommunityband@gmail.com

Webmaster -

N. Jordan

Westport Community Band is a

non-profit organization

501 (c)(3

Donate here

Letters from Marcia

Upcoming Events and Messages

Hi Band -
Hope you all are well and staying healthy! See below for WCB news - please read it all:

1. Regretfully due to the pandemic, there will be no rehearsals or gigs for the fall semester. We will continue to meet through our Zoom Masterclass series and will notify you before each session. The next class will be on Monday, September 21st, 7:30 PM. Please hold the date and watch your email for an invite. More details to follow!

2. Since we will not have rehearsals for the rest of the year, dues are suspended for the fall semester. Additionally, all Board members have agreed to stay on for the 2020-2021 season.

3. Music: Please return your WCB music and folder by September 21st. You may drop off your music at any of the below addresses, or instead mail directly to Sal. If you choose to drop off your music in person, please practice socially distant guidelines (masks/distance) and we do ask that you text before you visit to confirm timing.

PLEASE check your email for where to return your music, either by mail or in-person.

4. Lastly, if anyone is interested in producing a virtual music video for the WCB, please send us an email!

Thanks all!

Marcia & Emily

Pictures from last year's Band Dinner

Welcome to Westport Community Band

Band members Update

Westport Community Band rehearsal update

Westport Community Band Holiday Concert

From Sal

December News

Letter from Bill Elias

WCB - COVID Boosters

We will be recording Monday (12/13)

Letter from Bill Elias

A note from our new board

Band members

Westport Community Band Information

New Board

Letter from Marcia

Penfield Participants

Levitt Pavilion Concert - July 13, 2021

LEVITT PAVILION CONCERT

Musical Notes

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT

Memorial Day Parade - A big thank you!!

WCB MASTER CLASS RECORDINGS

Thank you!

FROM SAL

Giving Day February 25th

BAND MEMBERS

Letters from Marcia

Upcoming Events and Messages

PLAY WITH THE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

Westport community band announcements

Band Member of the year - 2019

Band Member of the year - 2019

Band Member of the year - 2019

Assistant Director

Band Member of the year - 2019

Band Member of the year - 2019

Purple Hearts Homes Tribute to a Hero

Westport Community Band