Stage fright...

Before going on stage, do some deep breathing. This is very calming and centering and "grounds you."
If you don’t know deep breathing techniques, go to a yoga class, search it online, or watch this space for future tips.

Stage fright...

As soon as you get onstage, act like you belong there! Enter the stage with confidence, hold onto the microphone or your instrument like you mean it. It literally grounds you – and makes you feel more like a rock star.

Stage fright...

Remember that the physical symptoms of excitement are exactly the same as nervousness. Nauseous, lightheaded, tight in the chest, full of adrenaline.
Try to convince yourself you are excited not nervous.

Stage etiquette...

Before going on stage for the performance, the most important thing (especially for the guys) is to check your zipper!

Musician's etiquette...

After the performance:
smile and say thank you to any & all compliments, no matter how you thought you did. If someone says it was good and you say "No it wasn't," you are basically calling them ignorant. If you say "Yes, I was rather wonderful, wasn't I," then you look like a jerk.

Sincerely,
The 'Jerk'

Professional Musician's Etiquette (II)

During Rehearsals

• Listen to the conductor, or at least look like you are listening.
• Avoid practicing your part in front of the conductor. He/she will know what you are having problems with and will be listening for it.
• Refrain from practicing excerpts in rehearsal.
• Be flexible in regards to the conductor's comments, and do what is asked of you.
• Instrumental players: warm-up softly. Use a mute or go someplace quiet.
• Be modest and don't brag. If you are a great player or singer, others will hear it in your playing or singing.

Professional Musician's Etiquette...

(Common sense things that are often overlooked)

Getting to the gig
• Show up 15-30 minutes early. Slipping in right before the downbeat is unprofessional and rude.
• Allow extra drive time if the location is new to you.
• If you are in a metro area, leave extra time for rush hour traffic.
• Buy a map of the area. GPS devices are a great investment.
• If you don't have a Map use online driving direction sites.
• Plan your route before you leave; in case of an accident you may need an alternate route.

Do you get stage fright?

Elvis Presley:

"I've never gotten over what they call stage--fright. I go through it every show. I'm pretty concerned, I'm pretty much thinking about the show. I never get completely comfortable with it, and I don't let the people around me get comfortable with it, in that I remind them that it's a new crowd out there, it's a new audience, and they haven't seen us before. So it's got to be like the first time we go on."

My Saturday (8/1/09)...

I played tuba with the New Horizons Band at 2:30 yesterday on the 'Floating Stage' in Bemus Point. Yes, the large 60' X 60' dock-like stage actually floats on Chautauqua Lake. There was a large crowd on the shore in front of us with many audience members in boats floating all around us.
It was a beautiful afternoon in a gorgeous setting.

In the evening, I played trombone with Dr. Rick's Big Band in Jamestown at the St. John's 'Italian Fest.' We played 3 hours of big band and swing tunes. There was a huge, responsive crowd.

Busy musical schedule...

Thursday (7/30) I'll be playing tuba at the gazebo in Ryckman Park @ 7:00 pm in Brocton with the New Horizons Band
Friday (7/31)) I'll be playing tuba at the Gazebo in Barker Common in Fredonia @ 7:00 pm with the New Horizons Band.
Saturday (8/1) I'll be playing tuba at Bemus Point on the floating stage at 2:30 with the New Horizons Band, Cassadaga Band and Jamestown Municipal Band.
Also on Saturday (8/1) I'll be playing trombone at the St. John's Italian Festival at 5:15 with Dr. Rick's Big Band.
Sunday (8/2) my chops will be recovering!!!!

Friday night concert...

Tonight (7/31) Diane and I will be playing with the New Horizons Band @ 7:00 pm at the gazebo in Barker Commons in Fredonia.

Solution for senior health care...

We’ve all heard the parade of experts claiming they have the perfect solution to the “health care crisis.” I am sure you have heard the ideas that if you're a senior, you need to suck it up and give up the idea that you need any health care. A new hip? Unheard of. We simply can't afford to take care of you anymore. You don't need any medications for your high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc. Let’s take care of the young people. After all, they will be ruling the world very soon.

So here is the solution. When you turn 70, you get a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives. Of course, you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head and all the health care you need!!! New teeth, great!!! Need glasses, no problem. New hip, knee, kidney, lung, heart? Bring it on. And who will be paying for all of this. The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. And, since you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income tax.

This is the real solution for elder health care!!!!!!!!!

*Thanks to Betty for the suggestion*

Bud on tuba...

I'll be playing tuba with the New Horizons Band on Thursday, 7/30 @ 7:00 pm at the gazebo in Brocton in Ryckman Park.

Sheridan Community Chorus...

The chorus has been working on organizational improvements to the group. The chorus now has its own checking account. I want to personally thank all those who have helped make this possible.
We have a little money in the account and we are now able to accept donations directly into the chorus account.
We are still accepting your recommendations as to a name for our chorus. If you have a suggestion(s), please let me know.
I also would like to know your vision for this group. Would you like to sing once a year? Twice a year? What time of year would be best?
If this chorus is to continue, we need your suggestions and help.
Thank you for all your past support.

Bud

Bud's upcoming schedule ...

Thursday, 7/30 @ 7:00 pm: playing tuba w/New Horizons Band @ The Brocton Gazebo

Friday, 7/31 @ 7:00 pm: playing tuba w/New Horizons Band @ Fredonia Gazebo

Saturday, 8/1 @ 2:00 pm: playing tuba w/New Horizons Band & Cassadaga Band & Jamestown Municipal Band @ Bemus Point Pops

SAME DAY (8/1): @ 5:30 pm: playing trombone w/Dr. Rick's Big Band @ Jamestown Italian Festival

David Golando Big Band ...

I performed with the David Golando Big Band last night in Fredonia and had a ball.
Great charts, great players, and a good audience.

Wednesday, July 22 ...

On Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 7:00 pm I'll be playing bass trombone with the Dave Golando Big Band in Fredonia @ the gazebo.
Come out and please say hello.

My schedule ...

Friday (7/17) Guest conduct NHB @ SUNY Fredonia

Saturday (7/18) Play w/Niagara Frontier Brass Quintet in Ithaca, NY

Wednesday (7/22) 7:00: Play w/Golando Big Band @ Fredonia Gazebo

Thursday (7/23) 7:00: Play w/Dr. Rick's Big Band @ Lakewood Beach

Thursday (7/30) 7:00: Play w/New Horizons Band @ Brocton Gazebo

Friday (7/31) 7:00: Play w/New Horizons Band @ Fredonia Gazebo

Saturday (8/1) 2:00: Play w/New Horizons Band @ Bemus Point
5:30: Play w/Dr. Rick's Big Band @ Jamestown Italian Festival

In concert tonight (7/16) ...

I'll be playing with Dr. Rick's Big Band tonight at 6:30 pm at the Cherry Creek Gazebo.

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

I had the privilege of conducting the Sheridan/Cattaraugus Community Chorus in concert yesterday. The group did a great job. We got great reviews.

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

We will be in concert today (7/12/09) @ 3:00 pm at The Cattaraugus Christian Camp 9714 Leon Road in Cattaraugus, NY.
Please come see our last patriotic concert.
(This is a picture from the 2008 camp audience)

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

The chorus will present the patriotic musical: 'Our Flag Was Still There' on Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 3:00 pm @ The Catttaraugus Christian Camp - 9714 Leon Road (Route 353 & County Road 6) in Cattaraugus, NY.

Report time for the chorus is 2:00 pm

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

We had our last chorus rehearsal last night (7/7/09) in preparation for Sunday's (7/12/09) concert @ the Cattaraugus Christian Camp in Cattaraugus, NY. We had a very good turnout and the singers are ready.
Sunday's (7/12/) report time is 2:00 pm.
Concert start time is 3:00 pm.
Thanks to everyone involved for your help.

Sheridan Community Chorus

The last chorus rehearsal in preparation for our upcoming patriotic concert in Cattaraugus is tonight (7/7/09) at The First Baptist Church - 32 Main Street (Route 20) in Silver Creek @ 7:00 pm.

Next Concert: Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 3:00 pm at The Cattaraugus Christian Camp - 9714 Leon Road - Route 353 & County Road 6 (one mile south of the village) in Cattaraugus.
Report time: 2:00 pm
Attire: any combination of red/white/blue w/comfortable shoes.
Remember your books and small flag

Bud's weekend ...

My weekend behind my horn at the Silver Creek Central High School band/chorus reunion weekend.
Someone snapped my picture while in rehearsal.
You will note that I am watching the conductor!

*Note my friend and virtuoso artist Diana Bley is just to my left.

My "tuba week"

I had a great week playing tuba. I had the privilege of rehearsing with the Niagara Frontier Brass Quintet for almost 3 hours Thursday night. They have some wonderfully difficult pieces in their folder.
I was asked to play in the Silver Creek High School band reunion to honor the Ron Sutherland era. We had 3 hours of rehearsal Friday (7/3/09) night, 3 hours of rehearsal Saturday (7/4/09) morning and the concert in the afternoon.
The band was great and I was also very impressed by their reunion choir.
Well done Silver Creek!

Happy 4th of July

Fourth of July Barbecue Cookout

More than 66 million Americans will have a barbecue during this 4th of July holiday. Although we don’t have a fixed menu for the celebration of the Fourth, you can almost count on traditional favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken, ribs, garden salads, potato salad, chips and watermelon.

Following is a summary of where these foods come from:
There's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is the leader in the production of cattle and calves.
The chicken on your barbecue grill probably came from one of the top broiler-producing states: Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi.
The lettuce in your salad or on your hamburger probably was grown in California, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of USA lettuce production.
Fresh tomatoes in your salad most likely came from Florida or California, which, combined, produced more than two-thirds of U.S. tomatoes. The ketchup on your hamburger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 95 percent of processed tomato production last year.
As to potato salad or potato chips or fries, Idaho and Washington produces about one-half of the nation's spuds.
For dessert, six states — California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Arizona and Indiana — combined to produce about 80 percent of watermelons last year.

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

Chorus rehearsal is Tuesday, July 7 @ 7:00 pm at The First Baptist Church - 32 Main Street - Route 20 in Silver Creek.

Chorus concert is Sunday, July 12 @ 3:00 pm at The Cattaraugus Christian Camp - 9714 Leon Road - Route 353 @ County Road 6 in Cattaraugus. The camp is one mile south of the village of Cattaraugus.

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

Bud's confession:

"If ignorance is bliss, then I must be the happiest thingamajig in the whatchamacallit!"

Chorus members...
Rehearsal: Tues. 7/709 @ 7:00 pm @ First Baptist Church (32 Main St. - Route 20 in Silver Creek).
Concert: Sun. 7/12/09 @ 3:00 pm at Cattaraugus Christian Camp - 9714 Leon Road in Cattaraugus (Report time: 2:00 pm)
Bring book/flag
Attire: red/white/Blue comfortable clothes
*Please turn in books after concert*

I would like to have a chorus members/families & friends picnic before the end of summer.
Any suggestions as to time/place?

Bud

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

Our next and final chorus rehearsal will be Tuesday, July 7 @ 7:00 pm at The First Baptist Church - 32 Main Street (Route 20) in Silver Creek.

The Sheridan Community Chorus concert is Sunday, July 12 @ 3:00 pm (2:00 pm report time) at The Cattaraugus Christian Camp - 9714 Leon Road - Routes 353 & County Road 6 in Cattaraugus, NY.

We need you and certainly appreciate you!

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

The chorus did a fantastic job at the Willowfest concert last night. The Willowfest festivities are presented by the Willow Creek Winery in Sheridan, NY and has been a staple in the community for the past 10 years. The chorus presented the patriotic musical: 'Our Flag Was Still There' immediately preceding a brilliant fireworks display.
The weather was perfect and there were many thousands of people there to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display. I was extremely proud of the entire group. Thank you to all who participated.
If anyone has pictures from last night's chorus concert and could forward them to me, I would appreciate it so that I can share them with the group.

Chorus patriotic concert ...

The Sheridan Community Chorus will be performing at 'Willowfest' at The Willow Creek Winery - 2627 Chapin Road in Sheridan beginning at 9:00 pm this evening (6/27).

The bus for the singers will leave the St. John Bosco parking lot at 7:15 pm.
All singers are asked to report to the stage area by 8:00 pm.
Anyone willing and or able to help set up the equipment on stage is asked to arrive at the stage area by 8:00 pm.
Attire: comfortable clothing with red/white/blue and comfortable clothing.
Please bring chorus book w/small American flag.
Singers are encouraged to bring bottled water.

The happy chorus ...

The chorus before Bud pleads for them to smile!

Willowfest Concert ...

I'm in need of a small (the smaller, the better) DVD player w/remote (and fresh batteries) for tomorrow (6/27) night's chorus concert at Willowfest in Sheridan. I need it for an emergency back-up in case something should go wrong with our DVD player.
If you can help us out, please let me know. Thanks for all your help.

SINGERS...
Saturday's (6/27/09) 'Willowfest' concert at the Willow Creek Winery (2627 Chapin Road - Sheridan, NY) ...
Report time: 8:00 pm Performance time: 9:00 pm
Attire: comfortable clothing with any red/white/blue combination and comfortable shoes or sneakers.
Bring: choir book, small flag, bottled water & a smile (please purchase one if necessary!)

Chorus @ Willowfest ...

The choir bus pulls out of The St. John Bosco parking lot by 7:15 pm this Saturday (6/27). If you're driving yourself, it's recommended that you reach Willow Creek Winery by 7:15 pm. Parking is going to be a problem.

We will need help setting up the stage at around 8:15. We only get 30 minutes for the band to get off the stage, and for us to get set-up. And if you can offer some help tearing down after our concert, we would really appreciate it.

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

The Sheridan Community Chorus bus will pull out of the St. John Bosco parking lot (Route 20 in Sheridan) at 7:15 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

Make sure you have your choir book, bottled water, small flashlight (if you have it).
Attire is any combination of red/white & blue.

We need set-up help at the stage beginning around 8:30 pm.

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

Tonight (6/23) is our last choir rehearsal before our big chorus concert at The 'Willowfest' pre-fireworks festivities this Saturday, 6/27. We'll perform sometime around 9:00 pm. "Willowfest" will be held at The Willow Creek Winery (2627 Chapin Road - between routes 5 & 20 - off Center Road) in Sheridan, NY. You can see the best fireworks display in New York state.

Sheridan Community Chorus

Working hard getting all the details taken care of for Saturday's (6/27) chorus concert in Sheridan, NY. The pieces are falling in place.