The group is in a high-activity mode, although interestingly enough, our live concerts have been few and far between lately.  I feel like we are preparing for a major shift, and I hope that we can handle it!  I think we can, although it sure would be nice to not have to worry about money.

I am so grateful that I am a musician, a creator, a teller or stories and singer of songs.  And I'm grateful for this collaboration, called Madera Vox.  Just a shout-out to my colleagues as we enter the next phase.  I can feel that it is going to be even better than we ever thought it could possibly be. 

Spent the past 24+ hours recording a portion of our current concert repertoire.  Dan Castellani and Dave are producing; we are doing most of the work in the Howland Cultural Center, and will do overdubs, etc. in the studio.  Tuesday (yesterday) was spent doing the four Chick Corea tunes and most of the Weill.  Today Sylvia laid down Ravel's Jeux d'Eau.  Bill Douglas' "Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano" was next, and a snippet of "Lobster Telephone," which alas, will probably have to be redone in the fall when we record the rest of our repertoire, which includes some of Dave's compositions, a world premiere, and at least 2 more Kurt Weill tunes.  All in all, they were good sessions, despite the hot, closed room, the splash Dave makes (no sticks, only brushes for the most part!), and the occasional reed going soft. Can't wait to hear the finished product!

The ensemble had its first meeting with Hudson Valley children's author and illustrator, Iza Trapani, on Saturday, April 19.  We hope to work with her in creating an hour-long an original musical theatre performance piece, sort of along the lines of "Peter and the Wolf," in that we will introduce the instruments through storytelling, but with a Hudson Valley regional flavor.  Very exciting!