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.

Clarinet Oddities

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Gandalfe

I got this Orsi sax-shaped clarinet bell mostly to tease my clarinet friends. They have the last laugh though, as I have not made as much progress learning the instrument as I had hoped.

Posted in Clarinet | Tagged | 1 Comment

Suzy’s Clarinet Microphone ~ AMT WS

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Gandalfe

I purchased this mic for Suzy to help her with some clarinet solos. It’s amazing and I use it with my bari when I sit next to it as it picks up the bari when I lean towards it on … Continue reading →

Posted in Big Band, Clarinet, Jazz | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Live Long and Prosper

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Gandalfe

Goodbye Mr. Spock, aka Leonard Nimoy. The New York Times sez, Leonard Nimoy, the sonorous, gaunt-faced actor who won a worshipful global following as Mr. Spock, the resolutely logical human-alien first officer of the Starship Enterprise in the television and … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Heroes, In the news... | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Guide to Late Bloomers ~ Returning to Music Performance

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Gandalfe

“If I were to begin life again, I would devote it to music. It is the only cheap and unpunished rapture upon earth.” ~ Sydney Smith Baby boomers are retiring in very large numbers. They are selecting hobbies that are … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Guides, MJJO, Music, My World, WCB | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Giraffes and Sunglasses

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Gandalfe

Found this on Facebook and would love to find out who took the photo.

Posted in Art, Facebook, Photograph | Leave a comment

Retirement Tales ~ Year One

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Gandalfe

“You know Jim, I’ve discovered that the more time one has, the more time one wastes.” ~ Byron Roberts (Suzy’s Dad) after hearing me talk about only having one job after retiring from the Army Reserves. Last year at this … Continue reading →

Posted in FAQ, Guides, MJJO, Money, My World, retirement, WCB | Tagged , | Leave a comment

MuseScore: Free Music Notation Software ~ AAA+ Rating

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Gandalfe

“As a musician I tell you that if you were to suppress adultery, fanaticism, crime, evil, the supernatural, there would no longer be the means for writing one note.” ~ Georges Bizet I just signed up for a gig to … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers and Internet, FAQ, Music, Quote | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bucket List #3 ~ Attend NAMM ~ check

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Gandalfe

If you have a music bucket list, attending NAMM at least once should be on it. NAMM 2015 was held in Anaheim this year and hosted over 75,000 attendees. Opening day included a visit by the Disneyland band. The best … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Bucket List, Community | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Can You Name that Saxophonist? ~ Take One

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Gandalfe

I see pictures of so many people who played sax that are surprising, at least to me. So here is the game today, can you name these musicians?         Good Luck! 

Posted in Saxophone | Tagged , | 2 Comments

2015 ~ Year of the Sax

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Gandalfe

Don’t play the saxophone. Let it play you. ~ Charlie Parker I’m looking forward to a music filled year. I am playing in a concert band, running a big band, and nursing my favorite sax x-tet (where x = the … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Quote, Sax Quartet, Sax Quintet, Saxophone | Tagged | 2 Comments