Wild and crazy stretch almost over!

Life, Music

I often go several weekends in a row where I have some concert or rehearsal every day of every weekend. This last one was a doozy, however! Since March 10th, the only day I had “off” was Easter Sunday, right up until yesterday. And the only reason I had yesterday off is because I am sick and had to cancel my rehearsal. If not for that, this streak would have lasted through May 20th (and 2 more concerts)!

But what made this last streak so crazy was the number of commitments I had on the weekends. Usually my “all-music weekends” (as I refer to them) consist of two or three engagements over the two days, but this time, there were many Saturdays or Sundays that I had three things lined up! This stretch included 5 concerts and 5 shows (17 performances). It’s no wonder I got sick. And while I’m looking forward to the summer break and practicing all my instruments (and getting the bassoon up from beginner to novice level), there’s also that part of me that is FREAKED-OUT that I have nothing scheduled!

So, if you need a pit player, call me! I drive long distances, play all the woodwinds (well, about that bassoon…), orchestrate reeds books to make one super book, and I’m very flexible with the pit setup. Need a sub? I can do that too! I’m a great sight reader, and I like the experience subbing provides. Want to experiment with a band or group? Email me! I’m always looking for new things to play! What, you actually need a violin? No problem, I have a C clarinet!

Gloucester High School Drama Club needs your help!

Culture, Life, Music, Society

As seen on a bumper sticker, wouldn’t it be great if schools had all the money they needed, and the DoD had to have bake sales…

From Lewis Evans

This past year I have been helping out at GHS with the drama club as their Tech Director. While the first few months were a little tough, I couldn’t be prouder of the work that they have done. They are currently working on Little Shop of Horrors, which goes up May 11th-13th.

In the past few years the program has been in a decline and this year Kim Trigilio stepped up as the club adviser and we have been trying to rebuild the program. As many of you know, there have been huge budget cuts in the city. Part of way was cut was all the funding for the drama club and the productions. The club relies entirely on fundraising to produce the shows and we are in desperate need of funds. To help in fundraising to put on the show, we started a ChipIn page. I know times are tough for many of you, but if any of you could spare some money I know the kids would appreciate it.

Thank you, and I apologize for the mass email.

http://ghstheatreboosters.chipin.com/ghs-theatre-boosters-little-shop-of-horrors
ghstheatreboosters.chipin.com

Home for the Holidays

Family, Food, Life, Pets

Kerri’s home! Ever a kid at heart, we let her open a present early on Christmas day (Katie and Tim weren’t due til around noon).

Kerri and her new Slinky

Ker also made us a proper English breakfast, replete with beans, tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, eggs and bacon.

We also had Babci (Vin’s mom) and Nani (my grandmother) over the house. My brother Greg was sick, so he didn’t come up at all. Hopefully we’ll see him on New Year’s.

Nani just loves Dot, and fortunately, the feeling is mutual. Poor Nani, she’s a bit out of it with old-age dementia, so keeping up with Dot is about all she can do. Nani didn’t stay at our house the entire day, but considering we had her here by 9am, she did pretty well for the 5 hours she was over!

Nani petting Dot

Babi stayed until the very end of the day! She enjoyed our Christmas breakfast, the cinnamon buns Kerri made in the afternoon, and then the pork roast, lasagna and cannelloni Vin and Kerri made for dinner. I made 2 kinds of cheesecake, which Babci enjoyed with her wine.

Babci

Next up: New Year’s Eve! We’re having a Hobbit Day during the day, our annual Chinese food marathon for the evening, and Tim’s parents over on New Year’s Day.