Jazz in St. Peters Bay June 25, 2006
Posted by Dale in Music.add a comment
I have just gotten home from playing a concert with the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble tonight at the St. Peters Court House Theatre overlooking beautiful St. Peters Bay, PEI. It was a fun gig, kind of a warmup for our upcoming performance at the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival (July 6-9). We even timed our intermission to coincide with a beautiful sunset across the Bay. The Court House Theatre is pretty small; I counted seating for about 90 people (notice I said “seating for 90″, not “I counted 90 people” 
), and it was a tight squeeze to fit our 18-piece band on the stage. Because of this, it was decided to go acoustic. Normally we would have a mic for solos, or even mics for everyone, if available, and it always ends up being REALLY LOUD. What was great about tonight is that we all had to assume the role of sound technician, and it forced us to listen, to be sensitive, and to play softly enough to ensure that the soloists would be heard. I think it made the ensemble tighter, and we definitely played with a lot more excitement than usual. An onslaught of sound (which is what one usually hears at concerts of popular music – including jazz) does create a certain degree of excitement in its own way, but it just doesn’t compare with the excitement generated by the contrast of louds and softs – a judicious use of soft dynamics makes the loud stuff that much more effective. So, tonight was inspiring because it showed us what the band is capable of achieving when freed from the tyranny of amplification. I, for one, hope that we will capitalize on our newfound freedom by continuing to go acoustic whenever possible, and see what higher levels await.
Golden Horse Jeans June 23, 2006
Posted by Dale in Life.2 comments
As kids, I and my three siblings wanted blue jeans like everyone else at school. Our parents complied with our request, and the result was Golden Horse brand blue jeans for everyone! I recall that this was terribly traumatic for us, but now I don't really remember why. No doubt our parents bought the brand that was most economically priced, which to kids who want to be in style is a BIG no-no. What was so wrong with those jeans? Who knows – it may have been nothing more than the fact that they were NOT Levi's. These days, even those on a limited budget have access to all the latest fashion brands and trends through their local used clothing store. From international chains like Value Village or Salvation Army Thrift Stores to regional chains like Frenchy's or local fixtures such as Froggy's in Charlottetown, used clothing stores level the playing field, giving anyone, no matter what their budget, equal opportunity to Style. And today, shopping for used clothing is a pastime that anyone can enjoy, free of stigma. I don't think that was always the case. Back in the days of Golden Horse jeans, used clothing stores were probably avoided by the general public, but today it's even cool to buy your clothes there, and it's one of the ultimate manifestations of recycling. And I bet if you look hard enough – maybe over there on the "retro" rack – you may come across an old pair of indestructible Golden Horse bell bottom blue jeans with my name on the tag – and they just might be the latest craze!
Scotia Festival of Music June 11, 2006
Posted by Dale in Music.2 comments
Today is the last day of the annual Scotia Festival of Music in Halifax. I have been here all week as a guest artist, and have had a great time performing, coaching the student brass quintet, giving a masterclass, and listening to concerts. The final concert this afternoon is an orchestra performance featuring the combined forces of the guest artists and the students from the Young Artist Program. We will play, among other pieces, Shostakovitch's Symphony No. 1, and Prokofiev's 3rd Piano Concerto with the incredible John Novacek as soloist. I have always loved the music of both Prokofiev and Shostakovitch, so this is a happy day. This Piano Concerto I have played several times before, but it's my first time playing this Shostakovitch symphony, which he wrote when he was still a student. It's a wonderful piece. I have recordings of all 15 of Shostakovitch's symphonies, and have a probably unrealistic goal of playing them all someday. After today I will have played Nos. 1, 5, 7 and 9. Only 11 more to go. The thing is, it's already taken 15 years just to play 4 of them. At that rate, I'll be an octogenarian before I get to the end! Anyway, it's been a great week hanging out with some fantastic musicians, both professionals and students, but I'm also looking forward to getting back home to my family. If you're ever in Halifax in June, check out the Scotia Festival.
Spelling “E” June 10, 2006
Posted by Dale in Uncategorized.2 comments
Over the years I have wondered if there is something I can do to get people to spell my last name correctly. It doesn’t bug me so much on unimportant things, but on things like concert programmes and bank cards, it’s kind of nice if it’s right. Even when I send info by email, and all the person has to do is “copy and paste”, there is no guarantee that my name won’t be spelled SorensOn instead of SorensEn. Maybe they think “Oh, that can’t be right – I better correct that for him.” 
Well, I think I have a solution. In Denmark, from where my name originates, the 28th of 29 letters in their alphabet is an “o” with a slash through it (called an o-slash), and Sorensen is indeed spelled Sørensen. The o-slash is pronounced like the “i” in “bird”. What I am thinking (and I haven’t tried this out yet) is that if I start spelling my name in the traditional Danish way, the o-slash will be enough of an attention-grabber that anyone trying to spell my name can’t help but notice that the other vowels are both “e”. And if they can’t find the o-slash character on their computer? That’s OK, a plain “o” will be just fine, as long as my mission will have been accomplished in their spelling “e”.
Root Beer June 8, 2006
Posted by Dale in Health.3 comments
I discovered last night that it is not a good idea to drink pop (or soda for you Americans) before going to bed – not even the natural stuff like Santa Cruz Organic Root Beer. Although "evaporated cane juice" is much healthier than plain old refined white sugar, 35 grams of sugar is 35 grams of sugar when you're trying to go to sleep. Oh, and by the way, Propeller Root Beer is MUCH tastier, if you're looking for a good quality root beer made with natural ingredients - and their Ginger Beer is amazing – zippy! My daughter loves it – and it's made in Halifax!
Elizabeth May for Green Party Leadership June 6, 2006
Posted by Dale in Environment.2 comments
Elizabeth May is running for the leadership of the Green Party of Canada, against one other candidate, David Chernushenko. Elizabeth May has created her own blog to present her thoughts about her candidacy, as well as thoughts about the environment and politics in general. It is very interesting reading. Elizabeth May is just wrapping up her 17-year tenure as executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada, and it is expected that she will bring the same enthusiasm and effectiveness to her new job, assuming she is successful in her leadership bid. If you want to ensure her success by voting in the leadership election, all you have to do is join the Green Party by June 27, for as little as $10, and you will receive a ballot in the mail. Supporters of Elizabeth May believe that she could actually make a serious impact on politics in Canada.
Talented Youth June 4, 2006
Posted by Dale in Kids, Music.2 comments
Yesterday I was the brass adjudicator for the Nova Scotia Provincial Music Festival, and it was a great experience. I actually only had to listen to one brass musician, a fine euphonium player in the junior category, so it was pretty easy work, and very pleasant. I attended the Gala Concert in the evening at the New Glasgow Square Theatre, and was very impressed with the musicianship I heard. The winners of all the categories, both junior and senior, performed. At events like these, I am always amazed at the capabilities of youth – the technical proficiency, musical maturity and sound that they have developed. It is quite incredible what some of them can achieve in such a short time. Aren't kids amazing?
