Congratulations to the Marine Band in S. Jersey!

[scottw]

I just returned from their wonderful concert in the Comcast Center in S. Jersey. There were over 2000 people in attendance and no one went away disappointed. The band played beautifully and drove home the word "appropriate". When the music needed to be full and lush, they played appropriately. When it needed to be understated, they did that. Contrast that to the typical community band where everyone plays just about what they feel like playing, regardless of whether or not that sound is "appropriate" to the music at hand. It is really refreshing to hear something that good to remind us that we can do a lot better!
The tuba section was everything we have heard from other stops on their long tour: accurate, excellent sound and precision. One quick question for Cameron or Tom: is your Paul Mergen related to the Mike Mergen in the trumpet section? If so, what a wild coincidence to have 2 family members serving in the same unit. And, they are from NJ!
I thoroughly enjoyed the concert and Sara the soprano was the perfect MC and what pipes! Best of luck for the short tour left ahead.

[TMurphy]

I can field that question, since I was at Rutgers at the same time as Paul. He and Mike Mergen are indeed brothers.

[Tom Holtz]

Thanks for the kind words. We've been on the road for six weeks, and your support, whether it's here on the 'net or coming up to the front of the stage to yank our chains, is greatly appreciated. In the last two nights, Gary Cattley and Harry Salotti each came up and said hello at intermission, and just seeing a familiar face (outside of the ones on stage) is a big deal.

I'll be driving home after tonight's concert in Delaware with one of the bass clarinetists, just so I can see the family. Life on the road isn't easy. Thanks to everyone who's come out to the concerts!