Hello WINDS, 

Great first rehearsal last week! I wanted out send out a quick reminder about the Large Ensemble Meeting before rehearsal at 6:15pm in the Large Ensemble Room. I hope to see you there

 I will also have sign up sheets for Auditions dates and times available tomorrow.

Here is the rehearsal order for tomorrow evening:

• Warm & Tune
• Resplendent Glory
• Salute to the Armed Forces
• Duty, Honor, Country
• Ancient & Honorable
• Black Granite
• This Cruel Moon
• Thine Alabaster Cities Gleam
• Let Freedom Ring
• Chimes of Liberty

I can hear you practicing from here - Yay!!

Gail

Hello WINDS!

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!  I can't wait to see and work with you all!

Please find attached the seating chart for this evening's rehearsal.   We are a wonderfully large band, so I thought you would like a heads-up as to where you will be seated. I will also have these charts posted in the hallway and band room.

HELP - We sure could use help at 5:30pm to set up chairs and stands each week, if you'd like to volunteer your time in this way it would be greatly appreciated!  

Due to very little extra room in the set-up, large instrument cases should be left in the hallways.  Also, please try to not walk through the percussion set up , if possible. It is always a challenge to move in and out of our set up, so please be patient.  We know there are exceptions to being on time for rehearsals, but, if possible, arrive early enough to help, be seated for the 7:00pm downbeat.  I do like to start and end on time.

As my HS Band director always said - "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is late"!  

I am so proud of this band and can't wait for tonight,

Gail

Mrs. Gail A. Brechting (she/her)
Conductor & Artistic Director
West Michigan Concert WINDS
616-502-0554
[email protected]
www.wmcw.org

Seating Chart (updated)

WINDS family,

I am so excited for this season to begin! Our 46th season theme is “The Power of Community!”  I have a wonderful program developed with five separate concerts and events.

They are:

1. A Legacy of Loyalty and Service – Sat. November 2nd – 7:00pm at the Frauenthal
2. A Holiday Side by Side – Weds. December 11th – 7:00pm at Reeths-Puffer HS Theatre
3. Red Cedar Festival - March 1st at Okemo’s High School (contingent on acceptance)
4. Winners & Winds – Sun. March 30^th- 4:00pm at Fruitport High School
5. Unidad en Ritmo / Unity in Rhythm - Sat. May 10^th – 7:00pm at the Frauenthal

As we enter this season, for the first time since 2019, your WINDS board of directors made a decision to raise dues. Costs have risen across many areas - from the Frauenthal, to our insurance, to gas in order to move our equipment. We have worked very hard to provide a meaningful and economical musical experience to our players, but it is time to help with our added costs.

For the 2024 / 2025 season (September 2024 - May 2025), dues will be $80 per player and will be due at the start of our season. However, for those who do not play a full season, arrangements can be made to pay per concert. Each concert, including Red Cedar, will be $20 and will be due at the first rehearsal for that concert. Please contact Kim Reynolds [email protected] if you wish to discuss paying per concert versus the entire season.

As always, if anyone requires assistance in paying the dues, please see me or Kim to work that out!I want all of you to be able to play with the WINDS!! For those who wish to pay their dues now, please see the Venmo address and attached QR code below for your convenience.

The Nov. Concert music links will be sent out by Sept. 13^th. I am looking forward to another fantastic season of creating and sharing music with all of YOU! We truly do role model the “Power of Community”!

See you on September 26^th,

Gail