Calling Classmate Musicians: Reunion Ideas
Editor’s Note: Because the ideas described below have been suggested by our classmate Eliot Norman, the examples are classical. But he and the Reunion Chairs insist that ALL GENRES of music are not only welcome but eagerly sought: folk, rock, ragtime, traditional, a capella … you name it. The only thing that probably won’t work is the Yale Precision Marching Band. Space limitations, you understand.
If you have some new ideas, please contact Derry and Bill at reunion@Yale1969.org.
We are working on two initiatives to add a little music to our reunion.
1. Eliot Norman has suggested putting “Street” Pianos at the two ends of the tent in the courtyard at TD. Folks can just play a bit as they feel like it, while walking by, whether to entertain friends, jam or just communicate their thoughts. We might have a poster nearby to write that “Kirby” was there and what you played. This is similar to what you see at train stations, parks, and plazas, especially in Europe.
2. Eliot has also suggested a “pop-up” band and sing-along participation fun event after dinner on Saturday. So, look in your closets for your Yale Band instrument or violin or guitar.
Jazz Waltz No. 2 by Shostakovich is one piece, fairly easy to play. This piece is featured in a waltz scene in the movie Anna Karenina. We could project the movie behind us while we play to give some atmosphere. All in fun. Eliot and some of his friends just did the Waltz/Singalong at a concert in Richmond, and all had fun. Click HERE to see a clip (Eliot is playing the piano) and imagine what we can do.
Tangos like Oblivion or Libertango by Piazzolla are two other possibilities. Eliot has the musical arrangements. We invite your ideas on other tunes we could play that would encourage audience appreciation and participation.
Please contact Eliot (eliotnorman1948@gmail.com; 804-721-7851) to join the band and get the music, or to give him your comments/suggestions/feedback.