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.

Rousseau and Brockman

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Gandalfe

Brother at arms, saxophonists extraordinaire Eugene Rousseau and Michael Brockman were captured in this picture at my sax instructors’ Master’s of Music program in Oregon in 2004. Both men are educators as well as world-class saxophonists. And I’ve long had … Continue reading →

Posted in Classical, Music, Music Instruments, Saxophone, soprillo | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sundays are for recharging your batteries

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Gandalfe

In the morning a man walks with his whole body; in the evening, only with his legs. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson My Sunday don’t vary much and is designed by me to be relaxing. It starts with a late wake … Continue reading →

Posted in Dog, Eating, Entertainment, Family, Health and wellness, Television | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Time Enough for Love

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Gandalfe

A friend of mine sent me a pointer to a real nice article about body paint which lead me to this NSFW article. Like the Fremont Solstice Parade, there are a lot of people who would rather sport paint than clothing. … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Health and wellness, Man stuff, Sun bathing, YouTube | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lament in Bb: Soloist Block

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Gandalfe

Ever wonder why more players can’t solo? I do. I used to think I was a decent soloist. That was until I started taking lessons. I’m in year 5 of lessons and I find that now that I understand more … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarinet, Health and wellness, Hobbies, Saxophone, Seattle, soprillo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ngram Viewer: Most Popular Instrument Ever!

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Gandalfe

I have been playing around with Google’s Book Ngram Viewer. There is a nice and humorous introduction on this TED video, What we learned from 5 million books. It’s an addicting tool that lets you search for words and ideas … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Music Instruments, Research, Saxophone, TED, Video | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sold: Howarth S30C English Horn

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Gandalfe

I surprised Suzy with this instrument, a Howarth S20C Grenadilla English Horn, for Christmas a while back. It took Kessler & Sons Music a while to find it but they got it just in time. Suzy plays clarinet, sax, flute, … Continue reading →

Posted in Hobbies, Music Instruments, Photograph | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“In the Mood” theater run, take two

Posted on September 17, 2011 by Gandalfe

This year wife Suzy (tenor, clarinet), friend Bob (bass bone), friend Bill (lead trumpet), and I (alto & bari sax, sop & bass clarinet) will be a part of the “In the Mood” big band. It is a theater show … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Big Band, Clarinet, Saxophone, Theater | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Sleep, perchance to dream…

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Gandalfe
Posted in Chorus, Music, YouTube | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Calling Batman, or why we need heroes

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Gandalfe

“Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history…There is a tiny splinter group, of…a few Texas oil millionaires, … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, graphic novel, News and politics, Politics, United States | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Replacement Peavey Bass Guitar

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Gandalfe

Amazon had a Labor day sale on guitars so I sprung for this Peavey Bass Guitar to replace the guitar that one of my brothers convinced me his son needed. Well, my nephew was graduating from high school. I did … Continue reading →

Posted in Guitar, Hobbies, Man stuff, Music Instruments, My World, Toys | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments