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.

Playing, Performing, Entertaining

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Gandalfe

Terry Stibal penned this in 2011 in the Woodwind Forum. He has now passed on, but his writings live on. This is a pet peeve of mine. I know a lot of folks who can do the first, significantly fewer … Continue reading →

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Music Projects Galore

Posted on February 19, 2017 by Gandalfe

If music be the food of love, play on. ~ William Shakespeare Through the last ten years I have been collecting piano books with the idea that I might co-opt one of the songs to create a sax quartet. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, My World, projects | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pay Raise and Retirement Tips and Tricks

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Gandalfe

“I believe that the biggest mistake that most people make when it comes to their retirement is they do not plan for it. They take the same route as Alice in the story from “Alice in Wonderland,” in which the … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Guides, My World, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Scotty, Beam Me Up

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Gandalfe

What!? Is the transporter broken again? When will it be back on line? Really, sometimes I wonder if those clowns at Starfleet maintenance know the difference between a Heisenberg compensator and a sonic screwdriver. “Beam me up, Scotty” is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Reverbnation.com Review

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Gandalfe

Artists First: Since 2006, ReverbNation has helped millions of emerging Artists build their careers. We’ve connected Artists to venues, festivals, brands, publishers, labels, and the fans themselves. ReverbNation’s mission puts Artists First. Our powerful career management and online marketing tools, … Continue reading →

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Music = Life

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Gandalfe

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche I was putting away my sax the other day and was struck, once again, with the amazing realization … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, My World | 2 Comments

Gaslighting

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Gandalfe

Gaslighting or gas-lighting is a form of mental abuse in which information is twisted or spun, selectively omitted to favor the abuser, or false information is presented with the intent of making victims doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity. … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics | Tagged | Leave a comment

So I dropped my sax …

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Gandalfe

I was notified that our principal saxophonist (in the WCB) wasn’t going to make it to practice, so I pulled out my Selmer Ref 54 hummingbird to work on the lovely but gnarly alto sax solo in Armenian Dances. It’s … Continue reading →

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What is a Musician?

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Gandalfe
Posted in Humor, Music, My World | 3 Comments

Smartmusic: Increase Your Concert Attendance and Community Support

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

By Glenn Pohland Have you ever wished that more of your teaching colleagues would attend your concerts? Wouldn’t it be nice if they could hear and see what your students are capable of?  How might you get more of your … Continue reading →

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