what the heck was I playing last night and La Scala

Hi All:

Got an email from Rita Steinberg's husband - Rita is a key member of our terrific Development Department. Larry wanted to know what I was "bowing" during the concert last weekend.

I was using a cello bow on crotales (antique cymbals) - they are tiny metal disks and pitched just like 2 octaves on a piano. They are hard to play because, though mounted on a metal rod, they can spin. I guess you need to be a percussionist to understand that part of the difficulty.

Friday and Saturday's concerts were wonderful - variety and a world-class young cellist and conductor. Our audiences went crazy with enthusiasm and they were of ALL ages!!!

Members of the orchestra exceeded all expectations. The ISO's Principal Guest Concertmaster Alexander Kerr is nothing short of world class. You will never hear a better orchestral solo anywhere in the world (guaranteed). Of course, if Zach was in town, his performance would have been equally as good. Solos by Karen Moratz (Principal Flute), John Wetherill (Principal Bassoon), Marvin (we call him Chappy) Perry on trumpet, Blake Schlabach (trombone - his solo filled the hall with sound), Craig Hetrick (great snare drum chops), Diane Evans (our harp angel), Roger Roe (Acting Principal Oboe), David Bellman (Principal Clarinet), Rob Danforth (Principal Horn) and one must praise Perry Scott (Acting Principal Cello) for his wonderful solos.

What does the ISO and La Scala opera house in Italy have in common??? The percussionist I replaced (had studied with my teacher, Vic Firth) Mike Quinn went from Indianapolis to perform in the Munich Symphony and then to co-principal timpani in the La Scala orchestra - one of the great orchestras and opera houses of the world.

The orchestra is getting excited to hear Jim Beckel's new composition for our 5 member french horn section. Preview it here!

And Donna (on a personal note) is getting excited about the Michael Jackson tribute at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie this summer. Reserve your tables now!!!!!!

Here is a "List of 10" as requested by our Vice President and General Manager Tom Ramsey at a recent orchestra meeting (this will be a surprise for Tom):

10 things Tom knows, probably, everything about.

1. Heating and Air conditioning units in a large concert hall
2. Acoustics in a concert hall
3. Stage platforms (risers)
4. Timpani heads - calf
5. Managing annual reviews
6. Reading financial spreadsheets - that sounds like fun
7. Renting office space
8. Hiring staff & conductors
9. Mechanics of every instrument in the orchestra - makes and technical issues
10.The shell at Symphony on the Prairie

Also, 10 more cities the ISO has performed.

1. Little Rock, Arkansas (I do not think President Clinton attended)
2. Numerous locations on Long Island
3. Winona, Minnesota
4. La Crosse, Wisconsin
5. Utica, N.Y.
6. Barcelona, Spain
7. Birmingham, England - (the former princ. percussionist of the ISO plays there)
8. Geneva, Switzerland (talk about a beautiful lake)
9. Goshen, Indiana
10. Ft. Wayne, Indiana

bye for now - if you have questions just ask!!!

Paul