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.

New Orleans… again.

Posted on July 13, 2006 by Gandalfe

A friend of mine, the professor, was in New Orleans last week and reports:   “The French Quarter looked good – no real signs of damage though from locals I learned that some of the businesses had been down but were … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Community, Travel | Leave a comment

The Bis Key Quartet

Posted on July 13, 2006 by Gandalfe

The Bis Key Quartet, consisting of Jim & Suzy Glass (my wife and me), Jim Borthen on Bari and John Gess on tenor sax meet for practice tonight. Two weeks ago we had a guest lead alto/soprano sax, Dave Anderson, … Continue reading →

Posted in Sax Quartet, Saxophone | Leave a comment

Alaska Was Beautiful

Posted on July 11, 2006 by Gandalfe

We are back from Alaska and I am deluged with e-mails. I had over 400 at work alone! Alaska was beautiful with warm and clear days and stunning vistas. Here are some pictures.              

Posted in Travel | 1 Comment

Playing the Bass Clarinet

Posted on June 20, 2006 by Gandalfe

My wife and I have joined a fledgling clarinet choir that has met a couple of times. I’m approaching the end of my first year on clarinet. In my first year of owning a clarinet I’ve only practiced about a … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Clarinet, Hobbies | 1 Comment

Do you take your Saxes on Vacation

Posted on June 16, 2006 by Gandalfe

Okay, I’ll admit it… I love playing saxes especially when it’s group saxes. Suzy and I are going on vacation in July. We will be cruising south from Alaska through inside passages. My sax-playing son will be there too. So … Continue reading →

Posted in Repair, Saxophone, Travel | 3 Comments

Piano Blue Book

Posted on June 4, 2006 by Gandalfe

The “Bluebook of Pianos” has been published for over  thirty years. This information is used by Libraries, Retailers, Factories, Salespeople, Music Teachers, and Auction Houses. Our  new and used piano prices are used by technicians and  appraisers. It is piano … Continue reading →

Posted in Piano, Reference | 2 Comments

Cowboy Bebop

Posted on May 31, 2006 by Gandalfe

The legend: THE SEATBELTS is a diverse band of talented artists formed in 2048 by the elusive YK. The name of the band derives from how the performers wear seatbelts to be safe from their hardcore jam sessions while they … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Jazz | Leave a comment

No Organist tonight?

Posted on May 27, 2006 by Gandalfe

I guess pretty soon they will automate what I do at work too. The Digital Hymnal will probably be a very popular item.   The Hymnal Plus by Hymn Technology – The ultimate music worship solution!               To listen to a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Piano | Leave a comment

We Chose a Petrof Parlor Grand Piano

Posted on May 17, 2006 by Gandalfe

After a significant period of time and research, we have finally purchased our first grand piano. We played a number of instruments and finally selected a 5′ 8″ parlor grand made by Petrof. We were thinking about a baby grand, … Continue reading →

Posted in Hobbies, Piano | Leave a comment

Can you name all the kinds of saxophones?

Posted on May 13, 2006 by Gandalfe

Can someone help me complete the chart? Type  Pitch Concert pitch range Frequency Range (A-440) Hz Sopranino Eb Db1-Ab3 277-1661 Soprano C B-F3 233-1396 Soprano Bb Ab-Eb3 207-1244 (1318) F Mezzo F     Alto Eb Db-Ab (A) 138-830 (880) … Continue reading →

Posted in FAQ, Saxophone | Leave a comment