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.

Master of the New York Minute

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Gandalfe

A little bit of YouTubeage where Sarah Jessica Parker shows how technology helps her organize the various roles she plays in life. Who knew that the iPad couldn’t multitask?    Some of the late show hosts have been teasing Sarah … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 1 Comment

Music Hack Day’s “Swinger”

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Gandalfe

This is a fascinating concept. “One of my favorite hacks at last weekend’s Music Hack Day is Tristan’s Swinger.  The Swinger is a bit of python code that takes any song and makes it swing.  It does this be taking … Continue reading →

Posted in Jazz | Leave a comment

Building an Audience Base

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Gandalfe

Having returned to the challenge that is performance music, I often think about who to build audiences for the various bands and ensembles that I participate with. Part of the art of attracting an audience can be supercharged by carefully … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Spinal Tap On ‘Jazz Oddessy’

Posted on May 21, 2010 by Gandalfe

Spinal Tap discusses the track Jazz Oddessy from their new album, Back From The Dead!   “… and what was the unusual time signature? 4/4. Yeah, that’s it.”

Posted in Jazz | Leave a comment

Decisions, decisions…

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Gandalfe

You are driving down the road in your sports car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus: 1. An old lady who looks as if she … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | 2 Comments

Daddy’s new ride

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Gandalfe

My cheapo Schwinn Graduate scooter died after two years of nickle and diming me. Finally, it just wouldn’t start so I traded it in on a really nice, reliable Honda. It’s gorgeous, fast, fuel-efficient, and flat out fun. It’s nice … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecology, Health and wellness, Hobbies, Scooter | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

I Quit…

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Gandalfe

Dear friends, I just read an article on the dangers of heavy drinking; it scared the shit out of me. So that’s it! After today, no more reading.  ;o)

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment

US Nonprofit 990-N Form

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Gandalfe

If your US-based nonprofit reports less than $25K/year in income, you must file a new form with the IRS every three years. If your group has never filed this form (and has been tax-exempt for at least three years), failing … Continue reading →

Posted in Band, Band Management, Hobbies, My World, Non Profit | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mother’s Day Present for Suzy

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Gandalfe

Suzy has been toying with the idea of replacing her 13 year old car for a while now. But she really wanted a hybrid or electric car. So this weekend I took her to a dealer to try out the … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiday | 6 Comments

Permission to arrange a song for Non-profit use

Posted on May 6, 2010 by Gandalfe

"Art flourishes where there is a sense of adventure." ~Whitehead If you want to arrange another musician’s song the first thing you’ll need to find out is if the song is copyrighted or if it is part of the public … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 1 Comment