I’m going to play my first-ever France memorial celebration for Armistice Day. The orchestre I’m rehearsing with, has been rehearsing other music, but none of the music we’re scheduled to play at the village event on Monday morning!
The commemorative music titles are:
La Marseillaise (chantée par les élèves du collège)
Les Dragons de Noailles
La Marche de Robert Bruce
La Madelon
Les sonneries habituelles (Aux Morts, Au drapeau)
I’m going to be literally playing by ear. I’ve had to do this before with other town band performances (in the states, not in France though!), and I’m hoping that the general idea is to show up on time in proper dress, and of course with musical instrument; play as often as possible, as correctly as possible, and as softly as possible.
I’m going to participate in a French community event, along with all of these other musicians (only a few of whom speak English) most of whom are France natives and for whom this kind of thing is what they’ve been used to since childhood. I think it’s a bit thrilling and nerve-wracking; I hope I have the right attitude, given the situation, for this first time experience.
This evening, there’s a rehearsal, and perhaps they’ll hand out some music tonight. Crossing fingers and toes but generally just trusting that things will work out…
Cheers!