Tuesday, May 10th, 2010
New photos have been added to the Media page from the Gershwin concert!
Stay tuned to hear announcements about next rehearsal for 2010 Commencement...
Thursday, May 6th, 2010
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Bravi!
Great job this evening! You came together and really played some tough music tonight - and it sounded great! I am proud of all of you!
You can officially take the weekend off (but back to work on Monday . . .)
See you all tomorrow night!!
CDH
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good Morning,
As you are enjoying the snow today, I thought you might like to know what we are planning to rehearse tomorrow evening (what better way to spend a snow day than to practice!)
However, before I get to the rehearsal schedule, one important announcement. . . On Wednesday, March 3 (7pm), the University will be sponsoring a Haiti benifit concert in Garner Hall. . . Although it is much earlier than I had anticipated, I would still like to perform at this event. But, in order to do that, I need to know who can commit to this date. So . . . Please check your schedules and we will discuss this at rehearsal tomorrow.
Thus, the rehearsal schedule will be:
Hymnsong (if we can do the event)
Linden Lea (If we can do the event)
Rhapsody
American in Paris
If we are unable to get a quorum for the March 3 date, we will focus on the Gershwin pieces.
See you all tomorrow night!!
CDH
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good Evening,
Happy New Year! I hope your year is off to a great start! As the Spring Semester at SCSU is about to begin, let me invite all of you to consider joining the SCSU Band this semester. I know many of you are faithful and regular members of the group, but if you are someone who has never played with us, you are welcome as well!
This semester, the ensemble is set to perform an all-Gershwin concert, including such works as American in Paris, Selections from Porgy and Bess, and the famous Rhapsody in Blue (with piano soloist Dr. Mark Kuss) – it looks to be a great program! If you are interested in joining this semester (and have not already picked up music), please email me with your name and regular/past instrumental part (i.e. Trumpet 2, Horn 4) and I will email you the parts (in PDF form). This will give you an opportunity to take a look at them before next weekfs rehearsal.
As always, rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings from 7:30-10pm in Garner Hall (on the SCSU Campus). Our first rehearsal is this Thursday (1/28), so get ready! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. I look forward to a great semester – see you next week!!
CDH
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows: Good Afternoon All:
Tomorrow's rehearsal is crucial - lot's to do! It is supposed to be clear and 65 degrees, so I think we're safe from the snow! Here is what's on the docket:
Holst (II then III then I)
Overture (Last 100 measures or so)
Rhosymedre (35 to end)
Allerseleen
I am psyched to get the chance to run through all these pieces tomorrow as well - please make every effort to attend!
CDH
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows: Good Morning!
Just wanted to dr op you a quick note regarding tonight's rehearsal. By the way (or for you texters, BTW), I thought the sectionals last week were very productive, and gave us all a chance to thrash through some of the more difficult passages in the Fugue. I can't wait to hear it come together tonight!
The Schedule:
* Fugue (20-25 min only)
* Old Churches (we will work on this for a good portion of the rehearsal)
* Thunderer
* Renaissance Suite (All)
* Holst I (of time permits)
See you all tonight at 7:30!!!!
CDH
Wednesday, October 6th
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows: Good evening!
So sorry for the delay in the distribution of this schedule. . . Below, please find the times for sectionals that will take place during our rehearsal time on Thursday evening. We will not meet as a whole group, but rather will focus our efforts on strategic sectionals. Specifically, we will work on the Overture, the Fugue, and the Holst. The schedule is:
*7:35-8:00: Percussion
*8:05-8:30: Alto Saxophones, French Horns, Trumpets
*8:35-9:00: Flutes, Clarinets, Oboe
* 9:05-9:30: Low Brass/Low WW (Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Bass Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax)
All sectionals will take place in Garner Hall. Please plan to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your scheduled start time so you can be ready to rehearse on time. These sectionals have proved invaluable in the past, and I think they will be helpful in our preparation for this concert . . . Please make every effort to attend!!!!
See you all on Thursday evening!!
CDH
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows: Good Morning!
I hope you are all having a wonderful week! Just wanted to drop you a quick note informing you about the rehearsal schedule for tomorrow evening . . . we will rehearse in this order (and focus on the indicated sections):
Fugue (50-END)
Holst II (C-E)
Rhosymedre (20-45)
Allerseelen (Beg-35)
Ren Suite (I & II)
We are making decent progress, so let's keep up the good work! Also, if you are receiving this email and have not been regularly coming to rehearsal (and wish to) - there is still time! Come by Thursday evening (7:30, Garner Hall) and rejoin us - we'd be glad to have you back!
Looking forward to a productive rehearsal - until then . . .
CDH
PS - Next week is likely going to be sectional-based . . . Look for an explanatory email this weekend for further details. . .
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
Thank you all for testing the new SCSU Band Website. I have fixed the problem with the VaughanWilliams Rhosemedre link and it is now up and running to download.
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good Afternoon,
I hope you all had a splendid long weekend. I'm sure you all practiced
for several hours, right??
Just as a friendly reminder - tomorrow the Symphonic Band will meet in
Garner Hall from 7:30-10pm. There should be several new members, so be
sure to introduce yourself to everyone around you!
Here is the schedule of the rehearsal:
Rhosymedre (Percussion will work separately on timpani tuning/aux
percussion techniques)
Little Fugue (Beginning - mm. 22)
Holst III (Beginning - Letter E)
Allerseelen (mm. 91 - end)
Thunderer
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow evening!
CDH
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Hey folks!
Can you believe we only have two more rehearsals before the dress! Lot's still to do! So, in an effort to get those things done, I plan to see you all tomorrow evening at 7:30 . . . we are back in our regular home (Garner Hall), so plan to arrive with plenty of time to get there. Here is the schedule:
Folk Song Suite (II/I)
Flourish
Miniatures VIII, IX, X
Beatles (56-end)
See you tomorrow at 7:30!
CDH
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Hi all!!
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather today - it is a nice change of pace, isn't it?
A few announcements . . . First, tomorrow's rehearsal will again take place in EARL HALL, ROOM 118, NOT Garner Hall (our normal rehearsal venue) - there is a performance in Garner tomorrow evening, so we will be in Earl. Second, we need everyone there!! As we are now down to the final 3 rehearsals, it is imperative that we have all members present (ideally for the remainder of the semester . . .) Here is the rehearsal order:
Miniatures (IV-VIII)
Ye Banks
FSS (II/III)
Beatles (56-93)
Marching Song
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at 7:30 - have a great evening!
CDH
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Band Aficionados,
A few crucial announcements. . .
First, please remember that this Saturday (April 4th) members of the US Army Jazz Ambassadors are coming (from great lengths) to provide you with the opportunity to work with them. These are some for the best musicians around, and they are coming to work with you . . . I have promised a good turnout. However, despite my best efforts, several of you did not respond to me regarding whether or not you could make these clinics. This is a FANTASTIC opportunity for you �½ PLEASE take advantage of it!! Both I and Larry Tomascek from the Lyman Center worked hard to provide this opportunity to you �½ please make every effort to attend!! If you have not pre-registered for this, there is still time �½ email me today or show up on Saturday Morning!!!!
To that end . . . please plan to arrive at EARL HALL (room 118) BY 9:45am. This will allow time to get organized and for me to direct you to the appropriate rehearsal spaces. Please bring you instrument and any music you may have �½ I�½m not sure what they will work on, but better to be prepared then not . . .
On another note �½ As a reminder, the University Band WILL NOT MEET tomorrow (Thursday, 4/2). As I will be performing with the Hamden Symphony at the same time as rehearsal (and cannot be in two places at once!!) we will not meet. Thus, more time for you to practice!! We will reconvene next week at the regularly scheduled time (Thursday, 4/9 @ 7:30).
I look forward to seeing most of you on Saturday!!!
CDH
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good evening,
I hope you are having a fantastic week. Just a reminder - as SCSU is on spring break this week, we will not rehearse tomorrow evening. You can show up and practice, but you may be alone!
Also, I need a firm list of who can make it on Saturday, April 4 from 10-12 for the US Field Band clinics . . . PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK EITHER WAY so I can have firm numbers. Thanks!
Have a great weekend!
CDH
PS - Info for the band's Relay for life team can be found here:
Relay for Life Information
Thursday, March 19th, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good Afternoon,
Be sure to take your practice session outside today - it is so nice out!
A few words about tomorrow . . . Due to a scheduling conflict, I am required to rehearse with the Hamden Symphony until 7:50 or so . . . therefore, WE WILL CONVENE REHEARSAL AT 8pm (rather than the usual 7:30 time). However, we will end at the regularly scheduled time. So, please be on stage, warmed-up and ready to start promptly at 8pm (since it is an abbreviated rehearsal, please, please, please be ready at 8!!)
We will work on:
Marching Song
Beatles
Miniatures (I-V)
Folk Song Suite I
Looking forward to a great rehearsal - see you then!
CDH
IMPORTANT: IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, PLEASE MEET AT 7:30 IN GARNER RECITAL HALL FOR A "RELAY FOR LIFE" MEETING TO COORDINATE THE TEAM SIGN-UPS. THANK YOU.
Details for the event can be found here:
Relay for Life
Thank you everyone! See you at rehearsal!
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good Afternoon,
I hope you are all doing well this week! Tomorrow's rehearsal schedule is as follows:
Folk Song Suite (II then III)
Miniatures (II, V, VI, VIII)
Ye Banks & Braes
Linden Lea (Run)
Please look over your parts to the FSS and the Miniatures prior to rehearsal, as this will save considerable amounts of time!
ATTN: Please don't forget . . . members of the US Army Jazz Ambassadors will be working with you on Saturday, April 4th from 10am-12pm. These are amazing professional musicians, and you get to work with them! This is a great opportunity, so please mark you calendars.
See you all tomorrow at 7:30!!
CDH
Furthermore, the SCSU Symphonic Band will be participating in the annual Relay for Life cancer fundraiser. Represented as Team Finland, it is kindly requested that all of you raise up to $100 for the service. The event will occur on April 25th - 26th, 3:00 PM to 7:00 AM the next day.
Details for the event can be found here:
Relay for Life
Thank you everyone! See you at rehearsal!
Wednesday, Feb 25th, 2009
All new available sheet music scans are up and running on the webpage. If there are any complications, feel free to let me know. These .pdf file will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and/or print. Please come prepared to rehearsal with these sheets printed.
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Fellow musicians,
I wanted to write regarding several important happenings in the next several days.
First, as you may already be aware, the status of the faculty line that I currently work under is being changed from a year-to-year appointment to a tenure-track line (this is great news for the continuity of the position). As a part of this process, a national search has occurred, and a panel of finalists have been selected. As a part of the final portion of this process (and at my urging), the finalists will have the opportunity to work with you (the University Band). Members of the music faculty will observe this and use it to inform their decision-making. The first of these candidates will be working with you this Thursday, from 7:30-8:30, and will work on selections from the Vaughan Williams Folk Song Suite (I am unsure of which movement(s) he will want to rehearse, so be prepared to play it all!!). He is aware of where we are in the preparation of this piece, so don't panic. That being said, please make every effort to come to rehearsal as prepared as possible. As I am also one of the finalists, I will NOT be there until after he finishes his time. If possible, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY to rehearsal, and be ready to play (warmed up) by 7:30.
After you have the opportunity to work with the candidate, you will have a 15 minute break (8:30-8:45), after which we will rehearse the repertoire for Saturday's Concert. Consider yourself warned . . . we will rehearse right up until 10pm (bring some coffee . . .), as this is our last rehearsal before our Saturday performance. Again, the repertoire is the Linden Lea, the Copland, and the Flourish for Glorious John. Be sure you have all parts and have worked through any problematic areas. We will NOT have the time to woodshed parts during the rehearsal, so please come prepared.
Speaking of the Concert on Saturday . . .
Arrival time: 6:15pm (ready to play, on stage)
Venue: Sheehan High School, Wallingford, CT
Attire: Dressy Black
I will again have direction sheets for you at the rehearsal. IF YOU NEED A RIDE, we can work this out. There are several people coming from all over the place, so if you need a ride, we will hook you up! We will discuss this in more detail on Thursday.
I think this is it! I am excited to work with you on Thursday in preparation for our upcoming performance - please come to rehearsal ready to play!!
See you Thursday.
CDH
Friday, January 30th, 2009!
Welcome back everyone! I have a few pieces of information that you should be aware of:
Southern, in all of it's infinite glory, decided that just last week it was going to completelly revamp it's www server. That means all new properties, all new rules, and yes, even more headaches. As I was checking our media webpage today, it was brought to my attention that the code written for the password protected access is now causing Firefox, I.E., and I'm presuming Safari, to reject the script and cause the webpage to appear as "invalid". For all of you out there who do not speak computer: it means that the page cannot currently be accessed.
The Music on our website as of now is offline. The capacity of the files was too large and I was no longer able to write to my user drive. I apologize for the inconvenience. The director and I will be posting the Spring 2009 Music on the website ASAP, and I will find an alternative to host the old files from Fall 2008 and back. Please be patient with the rennovations. Stay tuned for Program scans, event updates, and hey - maybe even a complete new look for the site? I know, it's exciting, isn't it? In other news:
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows: Fellow Musicians:
Happy New Year! I hope you all have had a safe and productive year thus far . . .
This Thursday, 1/29 (one week from today) is the SCSU Band's first rehearsal of the semester! I hope you are all as psyched as I am! We have several performances on the books for the upcoming semester, and therefore will begin work on day 1, so dust off the instruments and get ready!
As a reminder, we will meet at 7:30pm in Garner Hall (EN C112). Snacks will be provided. Music will be ready for you at the rehearsal. If you are so inclined, bring a friend! Now is the time to get the numbers up, so feel free to bring a friend/relative . . .
On an unrelated note: This Saturday (in two days), the SCSU Pep Band will perform at the Women's basketball game (where the University will be honoring Women in Sports). If any of you are interested, please join us! Arrival will be 12:45 at Moore Fieldhouse. Email me for more info.
I look forward to another great semester. I think the last semester was our best yet, and I look forward to continuing the growth. See you all soon!
CDH
December 17th, 2008
One last e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good Afternoon!
As I was frantically trying to stop the running water from seeping into my basement after the concert last Thursday, I was honestly thinking to myself ā I have had such a blessed year! Not only have I been given a new house, but also a wonderful and rewarding job . . . How many people can say they are truly happy with their working conditions? Well, I am able to make this statement, and much of this sentiment comes from the privilege of working with all of you . . . your infectious desire to learn, your dedication to succeed, your aspiration to continue to improve, your uncanny ability to put up with all of my crap . . . all these combine to make working with you such an honor. You all understand how music can move people ā how it is so deeply personal and emotional, yet requires such discipline and focus ā it is truthfully my privilege to work with a group that works hard to realize these beautiful qualities in music!
In addition, I would like to humbly thank all of you for your generous gift . . . I was completely caught by surprise, and am deeply grateful. How did you know my wife and I love IKEA? Is it because I look like I eat the Swedish meatball platter every time I go? (this is true, of course . . .) Regardless, I thank you for your generosity.
In looking to the future . . . I hope you will all return in January! Hereās the deal . . . this ensemble has made tremendous strides in a very short period of time. Do you realize that the group has virtually doubled in size since this time last year? Do you realize that you were able to perform (beautifully, might I add) some VERY difficult music this semester? The reason for this is you! Your warm and inviting personalities, combined with your many abilities and talents have combined to form this dynamic group ā one that many are anxious to participate in. Do you know I have had several students (some who are not currently with us) ask when we are starting back up? They can recognize quality when they see (and hear) it, they want to be a part of it. This is a testament to your hard work and talents . . . Bravi!
Again, thank you for your generosity, hard work, dedication, and talents . . . I am honored to work with you, and I look forward with great anticipation to the coming semester. I know we will continue to grow, both in numbers and musically, and it is exciting! I am just glad to be a part of it . . . I hope you all have a blessed and restful holiday season (while practicing daily, that is), hope to see you all in January!
Gratefully Yours,
CDH
Thank you everyone, for your hard work this semester. I look forward to seeing all of you soon! Have a safe and wonderful holiday!
December 8th, 2008
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Fellow Musicians . . .
I hope you all had a pleasant and restful weekend. Again, congratulations on your fantastic concert last Thursday - I am very proud of the progress that we've made this semester!
As for the concert this Thursday -
After tallying all of the votes (both of them . . .)
Repertoire: Copland, Sousa (US Army), Sleigh Ride
Report time: 6:30pm - Lyman Center (on stage)
Attire: Dressy Black
Please be prompt. As cookies and coffee will be served between 6:30 and 7:30, we want to finish up quickly so we can enjoy as well!
I am looking forward to performing with you again - see you in a few days!
CDH
December 5th, 2008
An e-mail has been sent out by the instructor, as follows:
Good Morning,
I just wanted to drop you all a quick note congratulating you on a wonderful performance last evening. The sound of the group (as well as all of the various soloists!) was truly magnificent, and I am throughly impressed with how you were able to persevere and perform rather difficult repertoire. The response of the audience was overwhelmingly positive (as you could see!) - there were over 135 people in attendance! This is a remarkable feat, and you should all be proud of your accomplishments.
Take the rest of the week off! - but only until Saturday, as we still have another performance next week! Repertoire will likely be Copland, US Field March, and Sleigh Ride - I have yet to determine whether we substitute October for Copland - any thoughts on this?
Again, job well done. Have a relaxing weekend, you deserve it!
CDH
December 3rd, 2008
An e-mail has been sent out from the instructor, as follows:
Good Afternoon,
I hope you all had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving. Now, back to reality . . . This week is our main concert for the semester! Here are the important details:
Dress Rehearsal: TOMORROW (12/3) @ 7:30pm in Earl Hall, room 118 (please note - this is NOT where we have rehearsed the rest of the semester!!) Also, if you have the ability, PLEASE BRING A STAND. The reason we are in Earl is because Dr. Chevan has a concert in Garner (for which he will need some stands . . .) Thus, if you could bring a stand, it would be most appreciated.
CONCERT: Thursday (12/4) @ 8pm in Garner Hall. This is it!! Concert attire is all black (dressy).
A note about tomorrow . . . We will have three guests with us, all of which must be excused promptly at 9:30. Although I don't anticipate the rehearsal running this long, I MUST start PROMPTLY at 7:30. Please do whatever is necessary to be READY TO PLAY at this time (plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early).
Any questions - please feel free to call me at (203) 233-0707.
I look forward to a great concert - see you all tomorrow night!!
CDH
November 22nd, 2008
The following e-mail has been sent out from the director:
Hello all,
Tonight is the night! Our FINAL rehearsal prior to the dress is this evening . . . We will continue our march through the program, and thus our schedule will be:
October
Candide
Star-Spangled Spectacular
Stars and Stripes
Sleigh Ride
This rehearsal is crucial, and I implore you to make every effort to attend. See you all this evening!!
CDH
Furthermore, anyone who has not filled out the program roster at last week's rehearsal should remember to fill out their name, major, and year with Craig tonight.
November 18th, 2008
Sleigh Ride is now up and working. I have fixed the file problem. Enjoy.
September 10th, 2008
I apologize for uploading a few incorrect files in the Reference Recording sections. Please note this has been fixed! Many of the pieces for the Fall 2008 semester have been uploaded for you to download and listen to. I kindly ask you take advantage of this feature, as this is using up webspace to host the files, as well as money to purchase them.
Currently, it is our goal to upload digital scans of all the Sheet Music for each section, divided by parts. In the case a student loses their music, they DO NOT have to approach the director and ask for a photocopy. The students will be able to have 24/7 access to each part, downloadable in .pdf format. This is a slow proccess and I ask you all to bear with me while I work out the glitches.
The current downloadable list of songs are as follows:
A Hymn for the Lost and Living
October
The U.S. Field Artillery
American Overture for Band - Please note, this file may currently be locked to you, be patient while the director and I fix this issue
Down a Country Lane
"Country Band" March
The director has also sent out an important e-mail:
Fellow Musicians,
Thank you for a great start to the new semester. Last week's rehearsal was a fantastic way to begin our year, and I know we will only grow and improve from here!
Please bring all materials for tomorrow . . . we will read through two new pieces and then begin to work on the rest of the rep - should be a productive evening. See you then! (7:30pm in Garner Hall)
CDH
Last but not least, the Symphonic Band is ON FACEBOOK. Yes, that's right. FACEBOOK. If you are a Facebook member, please join this group!
September 5th, 2008
For all of those unaware, rehearsals will now take place at Garner Recital Hall, located in Engleman C112. If there are any questions on finding our new location, please contact the band director. Information has been loaded on the contacts page.
In other news, the webmaster has now uploaded the following:
Contact Information
Images (as of our first rehearsal)
In the near future, the scans for the Fall '08 repertoire will be available for download (.pdf format) Reference Recordings for this semester will also be uploaded ASAP.
Next Rehearsal (as of now) is scheduled for:
SEPTEMBER 11th, 2008 in GARNER HALL, ENGLEMEN C112.
August 26th, 2008
An e-mail has been distributed by the Director as of August 26th, 200, As follows::
Happy Summer to all!
I hope you all have had a safe and relaxing summer thus far, and are preparing for the upcoming semester. In an effort to aid in this preparation, I would like to officially invite ALL who are interested to join the SCSU Band for it's first rehearsal of the Fall, which will take place on Thursday, September 4th at 7:30pm in GARNER HALL (EN C112). Please note the new venue for the rehearsal (this is where we perform for those who are new). I will explain the reasoning for the change of rehearsal space when I see you all . . .
The first concert of the year will feature an All-American repertoire, including Copland, Ives, Grundman, as well as a few more contemporary band works. We will also end the program with several American Classics . . . I think it will be a well-attended (and well-publicized) event that is sure to please the audience (and is fun to play as well!)
As you dust off the instrument from weeks of neglect, try to think of any friends you might wish to invite along as well . . . we are always looking for additional members, so now is the time to get them involved!
As always, I thank you for your time, efforts, and talents. I truly look forward to working with you all in the upcoming semester - I know we will continue to build on our past successes!!
See you all next Thursday evening. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns prior to this . . .
CDH