The Internet is Forever - Holst Second Suite in F

[anadmai]

Back in 1989 I was 17yrs old and I had the opportunity to play in the Pennsylvania Youth Honors Concert Band. it was based out of Moravian college and was supposed to have been a group of advanced high school students playing advanced college music. (That’s what I was told).

My partner was talking about being at an area County honors band and Second Suite in F was played. It reminded me of my time in this band, and decided to do a google search to see what I could find.

Apparently, I’m old and a stoner so I forgot I did the same search a few years ago.. I found a two part VHS recording of a concert dated December 5, 1989. We were still in the GWH Bush era. Surreal. I might have had zero friends back in high school, but damn I had a good sound. If 50yr old Dana could go back in time and have a nice long chat with Dana at 17. Oh the convo we’d have. LOLOL

Second Suite Starts around 7:30.

[Snorlax]

Great pictures of the trombone section both times you played the solo. :-(

[anadmai]

Dude didn’t know who was playing. Lol.

[John Morgan]

Nice job! I can't totally tell who is playing because the camera was on the euphoniums for such a short time. Which one are you? Sorry for being an idiot. I think that is you on the left as I am looking at the band. But I could be wrong, I don't see too well.

[aroberts781]

Nice playing Des! Really like the phrasing, breath placement, vibrato, etc... I'm sure your playing has only improved with time

[daruby]

Great job! I am so pleased to hear a nice smooth full sound at that age! The SA background shows!

Doug

[iMav]

That is awesome you have some record of playing in your youth.

I was doing some USAF drum and bugle in tech school in 1989. Would love to have footage of that time or prior in College and/or High School.

Sounds GREAT!

I tell kids these days to record EVERYTHING…practices, performances, etc. it costs nothing (or nearly so)…and in addition to short term benefits of helping you improve, you’ll cherish the footage later on.

[anadmai]

Great job! I am so pleased to hear a nice smooth full sound at that age! The SA background shows!

Doug

Thank you Mister Doug. Back then I worshipped Major Thomas Mack(NYSB) and Derek Kane(ISB). Two years later, I’d have the opportunity to have my photo taken with then outside St. Peter/Paul’s Cathedral in London while we were on tour.
It was a great time to be a teen.

[anadmai]

That is awesome you have some record of playing in your youth.

I was doing some USAF drum and bugle in tech school in 1989. Would love to have footage of that time or prior in College and/or High School.

Sounds GREAT!

I tell kids these days to record EVERYTHING…practices, performances, etc. it costs nothing (or nearly so)…and in addition to short term benefits of helping you improve, you’ll cherish the footage later on.

I might have a cassette of this performance. If you look in the video you’ll see there were microphone stands. Now, here’s the $2.98 question. I seem to have this never ending pit to musical items buried since the early 90s. What is the chance this was one of teh items I saved. And let’s go for broke and ask the bigger question… do I still have a cassette player?

I’ll have to post the performance to YouTube if I can pull out a miracle. LOL.

[anadmai]

Nice playing Des! Really like the phrasing, breath placement, vibrato, etc... I'm sure your playing has only improved with time

Thank you sir. Sadly, I walked away from playing less than 5 years later. About a year ago I started to play again in organized groups. It’s been challenging. But it’s rewarding on so many levels. Even in my weakened, old lady form I hear that sound. This time it’s gonna take some work. For my second year, I’ve decided to find a couple people to work with to help me focus on proper embouchure repair and training. Playing 2nd Baritone has always been my way to be around some good players because I was too lazy to apply myself and actually practice. I want to prove myself wrong. let’s see if I’ve learned anything in my old age. LOL.

[anadmai]

Nice job! I can't totally tell who is playing because the camera was on the euphoniums for such a short time. Which one are you? Sorry for being an idiot. I think that is you on the left as I am looking at the band. But I could be wrong, I don't see too well.

Thank you. You would be correct in your guess. I’m better looking today. The tomboy me was an awkward phase.

[iMav]

Lots of returning players here. It is encouraging. I stopped playing in 1989. Held on to my euphonium till around 2002 then sold it. (A Holton-branded YEP-321 stencil) Bought a Schiller in 2011 and goofed around on it for a year or so. Started playing regularly again just last fall.

[MichaelSchott]

You sound great! Nice phrasing, full sound and tone and flawless intonation. The interval from the D to the G is tough and you nailed it.

[dsurkin]

I might have a cassette of this performance. [snip] And let’s go for broke and ask the bigger question… do I still have a cassette player? [snip]

I had a similar problem - lots of reel-to-reel tapes of old performances (piano/organ), and my old Sony tape player had given up the ghost. I arranged with a digitizing company to transfer my tapes to WAV format and save on USB memory sticks. Then I transferred them to my computer, checked the EQ, cleaned up tape hiss and saved them in FLAC format. The cost was far less than buying a new reel-to-reel player.

The only bad point was listening to the recordings from an older perspective and realizing how my younger self couldn't tell the difference between playing real fast and making good music...

[anadmai]

You sound great! Nice phrasing, full sound and tone and flawless intonation. The interval from the D to the G is tough and you nailed it.

The me of ages past thanks you.