Author Archives: Gandalfe

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About Gandalfe

Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.

Doctors, Medicine, and Health … oh no!

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Gandalfe

I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself. ~ Johnny Carson I am constantly surprised to find otherwise smart people in my life who … Continue reading →

Posted in Health and wellness, Medical, My World, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Big Band Book System ~ Take 4.5

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Gandalfe

Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them. ~ Paul Hawken Today I was spending another two hours putting the solo tenor … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Big Band, Books, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, MJJO, Tips and Tricks | Leave a comment

From a Soldier’s Perspective …

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Gandalfe
Posted in Military | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

12 Rules of Practice: Wynton Marsalis

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Gandalfe

Originally posted on Essential Trumpet Lessons:
Wynton Marsalis knows how to practice. As a younger man, he was equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra playing the Haydn concerto, or laying down some serious jazz with Art Blakey. Check out Wynton’s…

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What My Bike Has Taught Me About White Privilege

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Gandalfe

Originally posted on A Little More Sauce:
The phrase “white privilege” is one that rubs a lot of white people the wrong way. It can trigger something in them that shuts down conversation or at least makes them very defensive.…

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My first New Year Gig

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Gandalfe

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ~ Oprah Winfrey I am so jazzed about tonight’s gig with my wife Suzy on alto and me on bari sax. So many of my friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Big Band, Holiday, MJJO, Music, My World | Tagged | 4 Comments

Rain, rain, and more rain

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Gandalfe

Fly me to the moonLet me play among the starsLet me see what spring is likeOn Jupiter and MarsIn other words, hold my handIn other words, baby, kiss me Listening to Astrud Gilberto sing this as it rains outside my … Continue reading →

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Christmas Babe Scam

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Gandalfe

I was toying with finding a lovely Christmas babe picture or wallpaper. My intent was to share a lovely picture and attribute it to the creator. So I found this one. But alas, upon going to the page to provide … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers and Internet, FAQ, Holiday | 1 Comment

‘Twas the night before Christmas’ Mad Magazine #52 Jan 1960

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Gandalfe

“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the pad,Not a hipster was swinging, not even old Dad; The chimney was hung in the stocking routine,In hopes that “The Fat Man” would soon make the scene; The moon and the … Continue reading →

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Happy Holidays 2015

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Gandalfe

Your greatest gift to others is to be happy and to radiate your happiness to the entire world. ~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie What an interesting year it has been. Musically, I have been very busy and happy for that. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiday, MJJO, My World | 1 Comment