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.

Eppelsheim Bass Sax to Low A

Posted on March 25, 2007 by Gandalfe

Ever since I purchased the Ward Baxter arrangement of You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (this sample played by Jay Easton, I’ve been jones’ing for this creature, a bass sax to low A. I can play this solo if I … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | 1 Comment

In the music business, another horror story

Posted on March 24, 2007 by Gandalfe

  I met a very interesting fellow last night at a party (thanks Neil and happy 30th). Let’s call him Joel. Joel wanted to major in music performance. Like me he played the saxophone. But in his freshman year a professor … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

How hard a reed and overtone exercises

Posted on March 23, 2007 by Gandalfe

I have heard this question many times and many ways, "How hard a reed should I be using. I really like the answer provided here. David Valdez: I’m generally against starting students out on really soft reeds. I don’t think … Continue reading →

Posted in Saxophone | Leave a comment

Amping up the Jazz xTet: Gandalfe buys into a PA System

Posted on March 18, 2007 by Gandalfe

Suzy and I have been toying with how to mike the jazz xTet. We have been practicing sans mikes and for our vocalist, that is not a good thing. We have regular musicians, have purchased some serious combo music, and have … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | 3 Comments

Dumb Drummer Joke ;o)

Posted on March 17, 2007 by Gandalfe

On the eve before Custer’s Last Stand, two soldiers sat in their tent and listened to the ominous and incessant Indian drums in the background. “I don’t like the sound of those drums, Jim”, said one. “I don’t like the … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment

Sweet Sue Terry does the Podcast Thang

Posted on March 15, 2007 by Gandalfe

 Sweet Sue is the featured artist on the current Sax Tips Podcast, hosted by the wonderful saxman Evan Tate, an American currently living in Germany. If you’ve never experienced a Podcast, don’t be a-skeered. It has nothing to do with … Continue reading →

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Convergence 2007

Posted on March 13, 2007 by Gandalfe

The Convergence 2007 conference is almost over and it has been so fun seeing my friends and coworkers from all over the world and meeting new people. I do have conference feet at the end of the 10 hour days, … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | 4 Comments

After Watching a Number of Local Bands

Posted on March 8, 2007 by Gandalfe

This review was so well done, I had to share it with my friends who are considering starting up a band. And you thought it would be soooo easy.  ;o) I saw your blog entry on the xBands.  I’m not … Continue reading →

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Computer Skills help untapped labor force

Posted on March 6, 2007 by Gandalfe

Mercury News – Jay Forderer, a teacher’s aide, worked on a student’s monthly progress report Thursday morning, whizzing through the first paragraph in a matter of minutes. Pretty standard fare, except for the fact that Forderer is partly paralyzed and … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Leave a comment

Visit my wife’s blog

Posted on March 4, 2007 by Gandalfe

Just a quick note today before we run to the Second Story Rep‘s presentation of "Laughter on the 23 Floor". This has been a whirlwind weekend with so many fun things to do and Suzy had to work both Friday … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 2 Comments