Happenings....

Well, it's been a while since I posted on here. Facebook has been the page of use lately, although it doesn't seem to allow for the unlimited ramblings that a blog allows.

It's almost December, and the concert season is upon us. Nathanael's choir is singing in five performances this month - December 9 with the Bison Men's chorus, December 16 in their own Christmas concert (parents sing too...), December 21, 22, and 23 with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. Then there's the school concert - December 19 - as well as my Band concert (dec 8) and my school concert on December 13.

Needless to say, we are busy this month. After Christmas Day I plan to take some time and relax.

Remembrance Day at Minto Armouries, Winnipeg MB

Remembrance Day 2006

yes, I know it was months ago....

but I was directed to the following link and thought it was such a great online record of a rather unique ceremony we have here in Winnipeg. (TIP - view it as a slide show)

Hope you find it as thought provoking as I.

Concerts!

Last night was the Royal Winnipeg Rifle's Band Visitation. We played R.V. William's Tuba Concerto (with a guest soloist) to dedicate 3(!) tubas that are new to the band. We also did Variations on a Korean Folk Song (Chance), Sleighride (Anderson), Midnight Sleighride (arr. Wallace), Orange Coloured Sky (Rugolo), along with 4 carols and the regimentals of the Rifles - Old Solomon Levi and Keel Row. I think I may have missed a few pieces, but I don't have the program here, so I'll update it later.
UPDATE
Pieces I missed were Eternal Father Strong to Save (Smith), Swing Away (Sharpe), T'was the night before Christmas - with altered lyrics. There was also 2 pieces by a Tuba Quartet, and 2 pieces by a Clarinet Trio.

I think the concert went fairly well. Nathanael enjoyed listening to the band, and he got to stay up late to boot, so he was happy.

His concert is this afternoon, so what has he been doing all morning? Singing. Singing. And more Singing.

I think he's nervous.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day. Went to two services over the last two days. Saturday was at the armouries near our house. Only the band ipc turned out - I moved the camera too much again when I took a picture of the soldiers in thier ranks.

Sunday was the "Regimental Church Parade" for the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. I joined the band for the day and played my saxophone for the Anglican service (very long Cathedral service). Afterwards, they did a graveside service at a memorial for the soldiers who died in the Riel Rebellion of 1874 (is my year right?)

Reminded me too much of Grandpa Budlong's graveside funeral.