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.

An Ode to White Supremacy

Posted on August 13, 2017 by Gandalfe

In regards to the White Supremacist rally in Charlottesville last night, this is the best thread on the matter written on Twitter by @Julius Goat. I am copying it here because it is incredible. If you do ONE thing today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Lifestyle, News and politics, Politics | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Unholy Rackett

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Gandalfe

Excerpted from the Unholy Rackett, a stellar music group discovered on Facebook. As I wished to share the info provided by the Unholy Rackett to the Woodwind Forum I took some highlights that was penned by Simon Rickard. What a … Continue reading →

Posted in Classical, Woodwind Forum | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Just a nice picture …

Posted on August 5, 2017 by Gandalfe

Wish I could credit it. I found this on the Internet today. So crazy. The colors, the patina, the expressive. Devine.

Posted in Art | 2 Comments

Earworm

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

“There are, of course, inherent tendencies to repetition in music itself. Our poetry, our ballads, our songs are full of repetition; nursery rhymes and the little chants and songs we use to teach young children have choruses and refrains. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Music, Quote | Tagged | Leave a comment

8 years of suffering under Obama

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Gandalfe

Something to think about.

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

To be a woman …

Posted on July 8, 2017 by Gandalfe

“Being a woman is a terribly difficult trade since it consists principally of dealings with men.” ~ Joseph Conrad With Hulu’s recent release of the Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, I was reminded that my dear sister’s recommendation that I … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Health and wellness, Internet, My World, Myths | Tagged | 2 Comments

Fantasia for Alto Saxophone ~ Claude T. Smith

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Gandalfe

This lovely piece performed by Otis Murphy presented in a form allowing you to play along. Quite the workout indeed. There is so much altissimo in this one. Still a wonderful performance by Otis.

Posted in Saxophone, Video, YouTube | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Professor Gadget Sax Quartet (PGSQ) 2017

Posted on July 1, 2017 by Gandalfe

This is one of my favorite gigs of the year, this year with Molly, Taylor, and Susan. There was a great turnout with over 100 in the audience, and the weather was perfect. (Update, the lock folk say calculated the … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, PGSQ, Sax Quartet, Saxophone | Tagged | Leave a comment

Don’t Coddle Our Children

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

Taken from an Internet post that has been making the rounds. I would love to attribute this composition if possible. Putting it here so that I can find it again. A young man went to seek an important position at … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Guides, teachers | Tagged | 2 Comments

Music: This is why we do it.

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

So many lovely bandee friends in this one. Fab trombone (Ron) and tenor sax (Ian Basques-Jellison) solos. And of course Robin Hilt killin’ it on the vocal. And me, well I just lovin’ the bari sax hits in this arrangement. … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, My World, Saxophone | Leave a comment