Hot News July 2005
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15 July 2005
The 3rd US Army Band Alumni Weekend
Washington, DC USA
The 3rd Alumni concert weekend was held at Fort Myer, Virginia for a 3 day intensive rehearsal
preparation for the Friday summer concert held at the US Capitol. The Alumni Association, consisting
of all former Army Band members, brought a large number of veterans and retired past members which
made for a solid ensemble of over 110 players. The new Commander, Colonel Thomas Rotondi, just
arrived from the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, conducted along with 2 other
conductors. Performance level was world class indicating the quality of performers past and present.
Saturday was a social day for the Alumni which made possible rejoining with old colleagues and reviewing
the current events and camaraderie. Several organizations like this Band are establishing similar organizations
to increase contact and concerns for their former members which for many is a morale boost especially for
those with later health problems. Ambitious plans are ahead involving this Association and the Army Band
in collaboration projects to establish the goals set for members. Anyone who has served in this Band is
welcome to contact the Alumni Association and be part of this group.
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2-3 July 2005
Avery Fisher Hall – Lincoln Center
New York Philharmonic Summertime Concert
A set of like concerts were held encompassing popular and Americana music for this time of year,
English conductor Bramwell Tovey presented a very interesting selection of music with a brief introduction
of each work with a NEW YORK, NEW YORK theme fitting for this great orchestra including works by:
John Kander - New York, New York arranged
George Gershwin - Walking the Dog - solos by Stanley Drucker
Leonard Bernstein – On the Waterfront
LeRoy Anderson – 3 Popular works
Aaron Copland – Quiet City
Leonard Bernstein- Prelude, Fugue and Riffs with Stanley Drucker, soloist
Of interest on this concert is the unique Americana characteristic of this orchestra, particularly the incredible
performance of Stanley Drucker, who with that style gave solos in the Gershwin ‘Walking the Dog’ which was so
removed from a player who would play the notes without inference to the style Gershwin would have wanted.
The Bernstein Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs, a parallel work similar to Stravinsky’s Ebony Concerto, featured each
section of the jazz big band by movement- Prelude (Brass), Fugue (Wind section Saxophones), and Clarinet soloist
on the Riffs, handled in style and excitement from Drucker, well known for incredible virtuosity and style.
This Bernstein work was written for Artie Shaw, performed by Benny Goodman, and performed by Mr Drucker
over the years 3 times, in October 1988 under Colin Davis, and 1998 under Leonard Slatkin. and at these concerts.
Of note, Mr Drucker has been Solo Clarinetist since 1960, a record for tenure of any orchestral player, and the
most frequent in-house soloist.
