Dear Colleagues:
As many of you may recall, the possibility of the LA Winds performing at the national convention of the Association of Concert Bands was mentioned at several rehearsals a few months ago. Now, however, the time has come to see if we can turn a possibility into a reality. The 2021 Convention will be in Santa Fe, NM. Click here to see info about this years’ Convention in Virginia and see what the event is all about.
We will need to submit materials and recordings in order to be accepted to participate, after which (if we are accepted on or about Sept. 1, 2020) we’ll know the date of our performance – either 4/28, 4/29, 4/30 or 5/1 of 2021.
Before we begin the process of applying to participate, we need to know that we can send a representative band of at least 70 players to perform at this prestigious conference. The tentative plan is for band members to provide their own transportation (c.12 hours of drive time to Santa Fe) or 2-hour plane flight (LAX to Albuquerque. Cost = c. $200 for a roundtrip ticket). We’ll provide transportation funds from Albuquerque to Santa Fe if you fly to Albuquerque ($25 credit to be applied to roundtrip train or bus shuttle or car rental to Santa Fe).
Direct flights to Santa Fe are approximately $320. Some may wish to use accumulated airline miles. Costs for a two-night stay (for double occupancy rooms and an LA Winds Band Banquet in Santa Fe) will be approximately $15,000 for our 70-piece band. The Board of Directors of the LA Winds will utilize surplus funds from previous seasons, as well as additional funding sources, to cover these Room and Banquet expenses. Band members need only pay for their transportation to Albuquerque or Santa Fe. You may, of course and at your own expense, extend you stay in Santa Fe or participate in the Convention Band which will include players from all over the USA. Details on the convention band will follow—if we apply and are accepted to perform.
This model of combining member funds and organization funds to pay for long distance trips has been used successfully by the LA Winds for trips throughout the Western USA, Chicago, New York, Canada, Europe and Asia. I’m personally very excited about another LA Winds major tour. This is just the kind of event that we’ll all be talking about for many years to come!
Please complete the following survey. Your responses will let us know if a return to LA Winds multi day band tours is possible for spring 2021 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Survey Question:
Would you like to participate in the 2021 LA Winds tour to Santa Fe?
– An answer of “Yes” means you will would be able get to Santa Fe using your own methods at your expense. You understand you will receive accommodations (double occupancy) for 2 nights and attend the LA Winds Band Banquet in Santa Fe at no additional cost. You may also extend your stay and/or participate in the convention band at your own expense.
– An answer of “Yes, with financial help” means you would be able get to Santa Fe with some financial help. You understand you will receive accommodations (double occupancy) for 2 nights and attend the LA Winds Band Banquet in Santa Fe at no additional cost. You may also extend your stay and/or participate in the convention band at your own expense.
– An answer of “No” means you will not be able to participate in the tour.
Please complete this survey before Saturday, February 22 to ensure your response is counted in the results.
Many thanks for your help, and thanks also for your hard work at both the sectional and full rehearsals for our upcoming “Stars of the LA winds” concert!
See you Monday night, February 24 at Stelle Middle School
All the best,
Stephen Piazza, Director
Los Angeles Symphonic Winds
