2012 December Holiday Concert Extravaganza!

The Return of Listening Videos!

Hello Hornists!
Below you will find some helpful videos of the different pieces we are rehearsing for our coming December Concert.
Enjoy!

O Magnum Mysterium

Fripperies Volume 3 no. 9

Fripperies Volume 3 no. 11

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (original)

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (Genghis Barbie: not our arrangement, but still fun!)

Independence Day (original soundtrack recording)

Independence Day (Vienna Horns: not our exact arrangement, but fun!)

Four Quartets: Blessing and Honor (original choral, our part starts at about 1:00 min)

Four Quartets: Pizzicato Ostinato (original orchestral)

Jingle Bells (So this is our arrangement, but I'm hoping we will splat fewer notes and play with better tone.  I've posted this video because it was the only one of this arrangement I could find.  We'll be recording what we play at our concert to fix this problem worldwide).

September 29th, 2012

Hello Hornists!
Happy October; are you ready for fall?  We've had a busy September around the Corps with some new ideas bouncing around.  I'm reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We rehearsed music for our coming December Concert, including:
• Cherubim (new quartet)
• O Magnum Mysterium (play the breath marks, listen for the moving parts)
• Christmas Carol Medley (was sent out)
• Independence Day (It's time to start wood-shedding those tricky spots!)
• You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (dynamics, rhythms, etc.)
• Fripperies (9, 10, 11, 12: we didn't much care for no. 10)

Please check your email for a message about part assignments (send them in if you haven't already) and preferences for small ensemble pieces.  Also, be sure to keep updating our leader with any absences from rehearsal so that we can start planning when small groups will meet.  If you have suggestions for arrangements or purchases we should be making for this concert, please send your ideas to our fearless leader.

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!
Our next rehearsal will be on October 6th, from 9-11 am at MCC in the band room, as usual.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

July 28th, 2012

Hello Hornists!
It's been a hot, busy summer for most of us.  We've had rehearsals inside, outside and at other various locations.  We've also played some old favorites and fun, new pieces, so if you haven't yet been to a summer reading session, now is the time!  (Or rather, August 11th will be the time).  Let the guilt trip begin!
For now, I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at the McHenry Alliance Church.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We read a bunch of fun music including:
• La Gazza Ladra
• Hard to Say I'm Sorry/ Get Away
• Salvation is Created
• La Danza
• Wagner themes from "Gotterdamerung"
• And....much more!

Looking forwards to the Fall Season, we are looking at a concert programed with "space" and Christmas themed pieces.  If you have suggestions for arrangements or purchases we should be making for this concert, please send your ideas to our fearless leader.

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week, and to the Alliance Church for hosting us!
Our next rehearsal will be on August 11th, from 9-11 am at MCC in the band room, as usual.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

April 21st, 2012

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was yesterday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• We rehearsed the concert order:
• Rimsky-Korsakov Quartet
• Sailor's Chorus
• Rest in the Lord
• Chicken Run (be specific about articulations, spot check any tricky sections)
• Ouverture (spot check any tricky sections)
• Magic Flute (It's really starting to come together, but be sure to check any personally difficult sections)
• Titanic Fantasy (Spot check any tricky sections)
• Hogwarts Forever (Spot check any tricky sections)
• Colonel Bogey March (Practice Suggestion: use a metronome, we discovered the group has a tendency to drag).
• Lord of the Rings Medley (Dynamics!  Key signatures!)
• Fairest of the Fair

• We will have a short dress rehearsal on April 28th before our concert.  Please plan on arriving at 5:00pm so we can start rehearsal promptly at 5:30 pm.   (As always, the concert starts at 7 pm).
• Concert dress will be your favorite formal black!
• We have concert posters!  Check your email for a digital copy which you may print and post anywhere/everywhere to advertise our Spring Concert.

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

We will not meet  for rehearsals in May, so our next rehearsal will be on June 9th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

April 14th, 2012

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was earlier today at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• We rehearsed the following pieces:
• Chicken Run (Practice your parts, especially with a metronome to keep tempi up!) 
• Colonel Bogey March (Practice Suggestion: use a metronome, we discovered the group has a tendency to drag.  Reminder: Take all 2nd endings: be sure to play anything marked 2nd time only and play 2nd time dynamics, except at the trio, where we will start at pp and then move to 2nd time dynamics).
• Lord of the Rings Medley (Dynamics!  Key signatures!)
• Titanic Fantasy (Spot check any tricky sections)
• Hogwarts Forever (Spot check any tricky sections)
• Magic Flute (It's really starting to come together, but be sure to check any personally difficult sections)

• We have 1 rehearsal remaining until our concert!  Are you practicing any pieces that need improvement?  Ask for help if you're having trouble.
• We will have a short dress rehearsal on April 28th before our concert.  Please plan on arriving at 5:15 pm so we can start rehearsal promptly at 5:30 pm.   (As always, the concert starts at 7 pm).
• Concert dress will be your favorite formal black!
• We have concert posters!  Check your email for a digital copy which you may print and post anywhere/everywhere to advertise our Spring Concert!

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

Our next rehearsal will be on April 21st at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

Announcing the Spring Concert 2012

Hey all!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter (raise your hand if you celebrated by playing for church brass!).
This is your reminder that we have only 2 more rehearsals until our Spring Concert!  So get practicing!
Here's another copy of our concert poster; feel free to share with all your friends and neighbors.

Our next rehearsal will be Saturday, April 14th from 9-11 am at MCC.  See you then!

March 24th, 2012

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• We rehearsed the following pieces:
• Chicken Run (practice your parts!) 
• Colonel Bogey March (Practice Suggestion: use a metronome, we discovered the group has a tendency to drag.  Reminder: Take all 2nd endings: be sure to play anything marked 2nd time only and play 2nd time dynamics, except at the trio, where we will start at pp and then move to 2nd time dynamics).
• Lord of the Rings Medley (Dynamics!)
• Titanic Fantasy (practice with mute to avoid clunking, dynamics!)
• O Rest in the Lord (Dynamics!)

• We have decided on a concert order (look to the left sidebar).
• Do you have a mute?  Be sure to bring yours to all rehearsals so we can practice the logistics of using mutes (especially in the Wenger Ouverture).
• We have concert posters!  Check your email for a digital copy which you may print and post anywhere/everywhere to advertise our Spring Concert!

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

Our next rehearsal will be March 31st at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

March 17th, 2012 (Happy St. Patrick's Day!)

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• We read some more pieces for the spring concert:
• Overture to The Magic Flute (cuts to this piece; be sure you have them)
• Colonel Bogey March (all 2nd endings: be sure to play anything marked 2nd time only and play 2nd time dynamics, except at the trio, where we will start at pp and then move to 2nd time dynamics).
• Lord of the Rings Medley (cuts to this piece; be sure you have them)
• Wenger Ouverture (practice with mute to avoid clunking, dynamics!)

• You will be receiving verification this week as to which small ensembles you will be playing in, and part assignments.  If you do not have the correct part, please let us know at our next rehearsal.
• Do you have a mute?  Be sure to bring yours to all rehearsals so we can practice the logistics of using mutes (especially in the Wenger Ouverture).

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

Our next rehearsal will be March 24th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

Listening Fun!

Check out these videos of the tunes on our coming concert, especially if you are unfamiliar with any of them. Happy listening!

Titanic Fantasy!

London Horns

Chicken Run Main Titles 

(original movie soundtrack)

Hogwarts Forever

(original movie soundtrack)

Lord of the Rings Medley

(Oshkosh Horn Ensemble; not the greatest recording, but it'll give you an idea of what the melodies should sound like)

Magic Flute Overture

(San Francisco Conservatory Horn Teachers)

O, Rest in the Lord

(vocal/orchestral recording)

Sailors' Chorus

(Berliner Philharmonic)

March 3rd, 2012

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• We read some more pieces for the spring concert, and have edited the short list of possible pieces down to:
• Overture to The Magic Flute*
• Hogwarts Forever*
• Colonel Bogey March
• Sailor's Chorus*
• Rimsky-Korsakov Suite mvmts. I*
• O Rest in the Lord*
• Chicken Run
• Titanic
• Lord of the Rings Medley
• Wenger Ouverture

• Please do begin to look over your parts for these selections; be sure to check that you have a variety of parts with which you are happy (i.e. not all 1st parts, etc.).
• Check your email for the small ensemble preference list; be sure to respond with which small ensemble pieces you would be interested in playing.
• Please consider which pieces you may be interested in conducting.
• Do you have a mute?  Be sure to bring yours to all rehearsals so we can practice the logistics of using mutes (especially in the Wenger Ouverture).

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

Our next rehearsal will be March 10th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!
*Denotes small ensemble pieces.

February 18th, 2012

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• One more reminder that our spring concert will be on Saturday, April 28th!
• We read some more pieces for the spring concert, and have compiled a short list of possible pieces:
• Overture to The Magic Flute*
• Hogwarts Forever*
• Sleep
• Colonel Bogey March
• Heimkehr von der Jagd
• Rimsky-Korsakov Suite mvmts. I and III*
• O Rest in the Lord*
• Chicken Run
• Titanic
• Lord of the Rings Medley
• Wenger Ouverture
• March from For the Love of Three Oranges

• Please do begin to look over your parts for these selections; be sure to check that you have a variety of parts with which you are happy (i.e. not all 1st parts, etc.).
• If you have any other music that you think we should consider for our upcoming concert, please bring it to our next rehearsal!
• Please consider which pieces you may be interested in conducting.

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

Our next rehearsal will be February 25th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!
*Denotes possible small ensemble pieces.

February 4th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played (we had 7 horns)!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• One more reminder that our spring concert will be on Saturday, April 28th!
• We read some more pieces for the spring concert including:
• Overture to The Magic Flute
• Hogwarts Forever
• Sailor's Chorus from "The Flying Dutchman"
• Colonel Bogey March
• Heimkehr von der Jagd
• Rimsky-Korsakov Suite 
• Other Quartets from the German Book

• One more reminder that we are meeting every Saturday now.
• If you have any other music that you think we should consider for our upcoming concert, please bring it to our next rehearsal!
  
  Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

Our next rehearsal will be February 11th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

January 28th, 2012

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was yesterday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• Our spring concert date has officially been changed to Saturday, April 28th!
• We read some more pieces for the spring concert (notice a theme, anyone?) including:
• Overture to The Magic Flute
• Ouverture (Wenger)
• Hogwarts Forever
• Titanic Fantasy
• The Lord of the Rings (medley)
• Chicken Run Main Titles
• Sailor's Chorus from "The Flying Dutchman"
• Colonel Bogey March
• Heimkehr von der Jagd

• We will be meeting starting every week in February, with April rehearsal dates TBA.
• If you have any other music that you think we should consider for our upcoming concert, please bring it to our next rehearsal!
  
  Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down this week!

Our next rehearsal will be February 4th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

January 14th, 2012

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played (we had 17-ish hornists)!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• We read several pieces in consideration for the Spring Concert:
• Overture to the Magic Flute
• Ouverture (Wenger)
• Colonel Bogey March
• O Rest in the Lord, from "Elijah"
• Titanic Fantasy
• Hogwarts Forever
• March from "For the Love of Three Oranges"
• Sleep
• We discussed the April concert date and found that the Saturday we have, April 7th, might not be the best date (due to Easter).  So, we are trying to get April 28th.  Please check back for more details.
• We currently have arrangements of Chicken Run, Independence Day, Braveheart and the Telemann horn suite on order.   If you have, or know of any music we should consider for our coming Spring Concert, please suggest/ bring it to our next rehearsal!

• As with our latest concert, we will be needing conductors for many of the pieces to be programed.  Be ready to volunteer!
• Special thanks to all returning college alums!  It was great to see you! 
• More special thanks to everyone who helped to set up/ tear down!

Our next rehearsal will be from 9-11 am January 28th, at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!