We’re past the halfway point in the November series, Songs of Freedom. If you attended the concerts so far (thank you!) you already know that we’re losing one of the RCBB’s most talented young players. Assistant Principal Solo Cornet Ryan Spacht won a highly competitive audition and is the newest member of “Pershing’s Own” U.S. Army Band based in Washington, DC. Congratulations, Ryan.

One of the premier musical organizations of The United States Army, “Pershing’s Own” was founded in 1922 by Army Chief of Staff General John J. Pershing and has a rich and wonderful performing history. Ryan will leave for basic training later this month. I’m really sorry to lose him, because in addition to being very, very talented Ryan is a really good guy. The Army Band is going to be pleased, I think.

My bet with Bob Karlovits is looking pretty good. You might recall from a previous post that he and I have an “over/under” wager with regard to this month’s mystery tune. I bet that we’d see fewer than 80 correct answers total, and Bob is looking for more than that.

So far (after 5 concerts with three more to go) we’ve gotten a total of 42 correct answers (2 at Gateway, 4 at Carson, 6 in Greensburg, 14 in Baldwin, 16 at Upper St. Clair). Bob is hanging his hat on this trend continuing upward. Does anybody else see something suspicious in this trend? Hmm.