Conductor's
Corner Archive
August 30, 2008
Dear Friends!
I hope this note finds everyone
thoroughly refreshed from a wonderful summer. I know
mine was great albeit way too short.
Undoubtedly everyone fulfilled their
personal commitment to practice regularly throughout the
summer months and be ready to face the challenges of
another great concert season. Yah, Right! Well, now that
you have finished laughing uncontrollably, I want to
welcome everyone to the start of the 2008-2009 season.
This year looks to be another great year for growth. The
board has been working throughout the summer, and they
have made plans that include some exciting performing
opportunities. More on this will be forthcoming at our
early rehearsals.
This season will kick off on September 2
at Hornell Middle School. This will be our 1st
rehearsal in preparation for a concert on October 19.
Due to some scheduling issues, Ed is not able to conduct
this program so he has asked me to step in and conduct
this program. I have selected what I hope will be a
challenging, fun program. Selections will include:
Black Granite March by J. Hosay
Pineapple Poll by A. Sullivan (We worked
on this some last year)
Masque by F. McBeth
Selections from Wicked arr. by J. Bocook
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine by JP Sousa
Punchinello by A. Reed
Purple Heart by D. Shaffer (This is a
new work)
A Beatles Medley arr. by M. Sweeney
Wedding Dance by J. Press
I hope there is something here for
everyone.
As an additional thought, if you know
anyone who might like to join us, please invite them to
this opening night rehearsal. If they have question,
please feel free to have them contact me or any of the
board members. We had a great year for new performers
this past season, and I think we would all love to see
5-10 new members join us this year as well. Let’s make
that a goal.
For now, please take a couple of minutes
to dust off the case, oil the valves and slides, grease
the corks, buy some new reeds, or whatever else each of
us must do to be ready to go. We only have 6 rehearsals
to prepare for our first program so every minute will
count.
See you on the 2nd at 7:30.
Paul Hinman
Associate Conductor
Hornell Area Wind Ensemble
May 25, 2009
To the Hornell Area Wind
Ensemble and Community Choir:
Today as we paid tribute to
those that gave the ultimate sacrifice; my thoughts
were again drawn to our performance this past
Saturday.
What a great tribute to all those that
have served and are serving our nation. We are
strong because of a believer in the rights as stated
by
our forefathers in The Constitution.
I want to thank each and every
one of you for the sustained effort in preparation
for such a tough concert. In my opinion, it was not
a
concert, but an event that paid tribute and homage
to a nation.
I was proud to be part of this
concert. You were prepared and then performed at a
level that was thrilling to all.
Have a great summer and I wish
you all continued success.
With respect.
Lowell Graham
Memorial Day 2010 (May
31, 2010)
While the memories are still fresh in my
mind, I want to express my gratitude to
you for inviting me to guest conduct the
Hornell Area Wind Ensemble in its annual
Memorial Day concert. For those of us
who served in combat, Memorial Day is
very special. We never forget those who
did not come home. Programmed in the
concert, God Bless America, Americas We,
Battle Hymn of the Republic, Far From
Home and others, were especially
meaningful.
Please convey my gratitude also to Ed
Belin and the Hornell Area Wind Ensemble
for their responsiveness and
attentiveness during rehearsals. A great
deal of hard work was done at the
evening rehearsal. The Saturday
afternoon dress rehearsal was like a
concert and the concert, like a
celebration.
My congratulations to the entire Hornell
area for supporting and maintaining such
an outstanding band and chorus.
Arnald D. Gabriel, Colonel USAF (ret)
Conductor Emeritus, The United States
Air Force Band
