Christmas Concert at Huddersfield - Dinner with Lord Mayor

The Huddlesfield Choral Society and The Black Dyke Band - 2 of England's Finest!

Despite the signs that said "No Photographs" I could not resist pulling out my camera. I thought that perhaps I would not have another time before Christmas next year and if we are to do something with them for a new CD, I would be devastated if I did not have a picture of this magnificent sight. The Black Dyke Band, one of the 4 great brass bands in England, was founded in 1816! Huddersfield Choral Society was founded in 1830. The Town Hall, above, was built in the 1860s. 

The concert included carols that we don't know in the US, plus old favorites, some pieces just for the brass band (the two soloists on flugel horn and baritone horn were both females - the only ones in the band!), and some audience sing-alongs. The two and a half hour flew by and then we were sitting having dinner with the Lord Mayor with his massive medal on a ribbon around his neck. He could have come from Central Casting, but was appropriately charming.

This definitely is a place to return to in the summer months.

Wonderful Hall in Huddersfield, UK

Huddersfield Town Hall - built 1860

In the pouring rain, I discovered that the Town Hall was much closer to the hotel than I had thought.

Across the highway (being careful to look in BOTH directions - cars always coming from the "wrong" direction), past the Snooker Club (a game I have never understood), over the tiny canal bridge, then up the hill past the University where there is a spectacular costume designing shop with huge plate glass windows so that you can look in (I have always loved to sew historical costumes), up the stairs and there sat the sandstone huge Town Hall fully illuminated against the dark sky. 

If we thought that we would be unnoticed, we were wrong. Our English manager had called ahead and, as we sat listening to the rehearsal, the secretary, the treasurer, and many other choir officials stopped by to whisper their welcomes. Then at the end of the rehearsal the president stood up and announced "Maestro Stephen Simon and Bonnie Simon have come all the way from New York specifically to hear our Christmas Concert," and great applause broke out.  The sound of the chorus is this huge beautifully blended ensemble with the impeccable English choirboy pitch. The organist sitting at the console high above the choir was the arranger for some of the carols. The Black Dyke brass band is one of northern England's best in this area where there once were many coal mines and where there has always been a rich brass band tradition. The choir claimed that they were "marking" last night; if that is so, they will blow the roof off tonight.

We have been invited to the pre-concert cocktail party, drinks at intermission with the choir, and dinner afterwards. It should be a jolly affair!

Time for a nap so that jetlag does not catch up with me before the post-concert supper.

Arrived in Northern England...to Hurricane Force Winds!

HUDDLESFIELD IN THE RAIN TODAY

The flight from New York to London, then the high speed train + local train north to Huddersfield went smoothly, but as stepped out of the station to tremendous winds and rain. Very dramatic. Have located the beautiful Town Hall with its concert hall and are on our way to the rehearsal of the famous Huddlesfield Choral Society this evening. It seems that there also will be a wind band called The Black Dyke... fitting as there is a canal with adorable canal boats moored just outside our hotel window. More to follow, but for now, back out into the wind and rain.

Colorado Parent – My Name is Handel Recommended Gift

    Great to get the word out to Colorado. I ski at Snowmass and always enjoy talking to folks on the lift about Maestro Classics. 
    Now it is great to have Colorado Parent magazine select My Name is Handel for their gift guide. I wonder if I will meet anyone who has seen us there...

YADU receives Nepali Students' Award and 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award at MSU-Moorhead

Congratulations, Yadu!

Maestro Classics' narrator for our "Stories in Music" series, Yadu, aka Dr. Konrad Czynski, was awarded both an award by the Nepali Students' Association as "Advisor of the Month."  Of far greater note, however, is that last spring he was awarded the "2011 Excellene in Teaching" Award - only awarded to one professor a year. He truly is a "beloved professor" at his university!

Scholastic Parent & Child – We Were Selected as Best Gifts

December/January issue SCHOLASTIC PARENT & CHILD

My fairy godmother keeps reminding me that things take time, but also says that she thinks that we have turned the corner at Maestro Classics and have been discovered. 

Proof:

Just heard that we have been selected by Scholastic (the magazine reaches Millions of readers) for their recommended holiday gift guide. My Name is Handel has a nice write-up and a picture.

How Can I Get My Children to Learn the Christmas Songs I Sang Growing Up?

If it were 2012, the answer would be easy. I would tell you to purchase the new Maestro Classics Holiday Sing-Along Album. But it is not 2012, it is 2011, so here are a few suggestions.

Play the piano (or used to)?

            Go to the local music store and buy a very easy Christmas Carol book that has the words in it. Practice one or two and then have your children sing with you. They will always remember it. If you are having fun, continue to make your way through the book.

Does your child play an instrument?

            Find a very easy Christmas Carol book for their instrument. Teach the words to the other members of the family and then sing it with them.

Plan a Christmas caroling event in your neighborhood.

            Print some word sheets with 6-10 carols that you know and like. Call a couple of families. Invite them to come caroling with you and come to your home for cider and cookies afterwards. There only need to be 8 or 10 of you; you only need to visit a couple of houses; bring along extra word sheets so you can invite folks to join you along the way. You may start a tradition.