1st of the 5th
Whilst we waste time in idle chit chat I was allowed to conduct the school orchestra Spring ’55. Part of my last period special 5 student Senior Musicianship requirement. I tried that dumb V for victory as it seemed easy enough 4 notes and a rest. Was disaster as I had no idea how to start on a missing note. Group must know to enter AFTER the downbeat. We worked it out. Is big down beat (BOOM) da da da dah. Course Morse came bit later mid 1800s and alphabet symbols used for easy learning not the 5th.
In Morse code, “V” is dot-dot-dot-dash, or three short clicks and one long. People equated it with the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. That four-note motif was played on the timpani before every BBC wartime broadcast to Europe.
Ever realize the National Anthem has 3 rest pauses in the final bars on wave, free and home of the. The conductor just drops hands in a halt and the entrances make an effect, and “of the”( rest) is where the soloist likes to make a big cadenza out of the time while you just follow along then enter with “BRAVE”.
But that was in another country and besides the wench is dead. Opted for flying career but for a time I was Asst Conductor of the (Glen MIller) USAFE Band. VERY shortly but a long story. One performance was the Wagner blaring war horse “Elsa’s Procession to Cathedral” Prelude to 3rd act Lohengrin leads to the gentle Wedding march. Not a bad job the band felt and I did have the most combat medals they’d ever seen as a director. 8
“The Prelude to Act 3 from ‘Lohengrin’ is music of enormous excitement and expectation”
1st of 5th
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by 8thaero » Tue Apr 16, 2019 8:52 pm
Grew up with Glenn’s (2 NN’s) base player, not son brother Herby Miller band playing Mntrey Bay area proms. School teacher we did a few serious symphony gigs . Great story teller of glory days. SOUND was Tenor Sax stood up with clarinet melody 3in harmony.
Back then was a toot toot rhythm thing with guitar.Can still watch old Lawrence Welk band do it on PBS reruns
Conrad Hilton and Welk saved each in mid 30’s Abilene TX , failing N 1st St Hotel, Welk bus stuck no work and gas. Welk drew big crowds .
“He went on to buy and build hotels throughout Texas, including the highrise Dallas Hilton, opened in 1925; the Abilene Hilton in 1927.”
Small hotel is there today with a plaque for both. Liz never slept over. Both came fame in time.
A few sightings of small high wing Norseman radial UC -64 claimed pop up now again in Chanel the cloudy low Dec ’44 low vis day. Anyway a short time I was in the history chain, baton in hand making a rest in the best places for effect. Danke , Ludwig. 8