On the Road Again

Sunday was our last concert in the Boston metropolitan area, in Wenham. Ten years ago we performed at the same site, arriving late in a torrential downpour. Sunday we were a little behind schedule due to the heavy traffic we encountered on the highway. Sunday was a crisp fall day, bright with sunshine, soft clouds and cool temperatures. Ten years ago, the hall was dark and cool, yesterday the sun shone through chinks in the curtains, dancing on little girls’ hair and bouncing off reflective surfaces.

It was our first performance of the C-2 Program; we’ve played a C Program every Sunday so far. Aegean Festival (my Geometry project) went away and was replaced by the Star-Spangled Overture from American Ballads. Hammersmith was traded for the Holst First Suite in Eb, and El Salon Mexico became the Ballet Music from Le Cid. All familiar music for me, with a certain comfort level I appreciate this far in to Tour.

A Sunday night is normally a welcome free evening, but the Sunday following Stand Down, with several free evenings and several days in the same location behind us, becomes empty hours to fill. The Band is restless and anxious to move on.

Monday we were on the road again, and the mood of the Band was generally cheerful. New sights, new hotel, new places to explore awaited us in the next town. Monday’s concert was in a true Gymnatorium; we performed on a stage that faced auditorium seating with a gymnasium and bleachers directly behind.

It was our first performance of the A-2 program since we completed rehearsals, so it felt a little like the first night of tour. Rocky Point Holiday replaced Colas Breugnon, The Devil and Daniel Webster left to make room for the Carmen Symohony, and Masquerade became the Persichetti of choice on the second half of the program. I couldn’t help but wonder how Chris felt about the stage extensions while playing the vibraphone portion of the percussion concerto. The podium seemed fairly secure; Betsy tested it when checking the stability for Stars and Stripes. The stage extensions were a little flexible for the flute section’s taste, so we stayed in place during the piccolo feature.

We move on again today, heading for Rhode Island for a day or two before making our way back to Massachusetts. I am looking forward to the end of the week when my husband and son will visit; the loneliness is magnified on Stand Down when I see other Band members reunited with their families. Parenting is difficult enough without having to do it long distance, and a family visit can do much to keep the family unit strong.