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January 12 – 17, 2021! Be there… virtually.
Meeting old friends for six days in Sarasota is an annual highlight of Windjammers Unlimited, but next month the show will go on in a virtual format. Twenty events will be offered online from Tuesday, January 12 through Sunday, January 17, including the Ringling Museum and the The Circus Arts Conservancy, instrument clinics, educational lectures, circus concerts, socials and more.
CLICK HERE to see the FULL SCHEDULE, subject to updates and revisions.
The virtual convention opens on Tuesday afternoon with a video panel discussion and tour of the Ringling Museum. The day ends with virtual check-in and a social session.
Also on Tuesday, don’t miss a much-anticipated how-to presentation on Zoom Basics, timely because all convention sessions will be online. Many of us have learned from our children (or theirs) how to Zoom on a PC or tablet or smart phone, but there is likely more to learn. Windjammer Trustee and Chairperson of the 50th Anniversary Team, Lynette Garlan (WJU #3633) has a presentation for beginners and veterans wanting to develop their Zoom skills.
Educational & Instrument Clinics
Whilst Wednesday is normally a brutal playing day, this year our lips will get a virtual break. Starting in the afternoon, a series of 90-minute educational and performance clinics will be led by distinguished members and guest artists. These sessions do not overlap, and all are open to anyone who signs up. Most of the sessions will be listen-only; a few may offer optional play-along at home. Then in the evening you can “have your fill of all the food you bring yourself” while enjoying a classic Windjammers concert.
Thursday and Friday will feature more performance clinics and lectures. Some outstanding musical talents are joining us and will be conducting clinics. Here’s a sampling of what is planned.
Michelle Anderson, virtuoso clarinetist, brings her teaching, mentoring and performance experience to our convention. Michelle will be presenting some step-by-step exercises to help you improve clarinet tone, high notes, articulation, air support, finger technique and more. This interactive session will allow you to ask questions, and try some of these exercises in real time during our session.
World renowned Dale Underwood, the “Heifetz of the alto saxophone” will be hosting a saxophone clinic.
Dale, currently Professor of Saxophone at The Frost School of Music (University of Miami), has been hailed an outstanding performer, teacher and recording artist.
Internet trombone virtuoso, Christopher Bill, will be sharing his “loop” and other performance enhancing strategies with Windjammers. Check out his arrangement and performance of the hit music from the movie about PT Barnum, The Greatest Showman.
Social Time, Banquet and Learning Too!
Saturday will feature a Zoomed Attitude Adjustment Hour, BYO dinner with hosted breakout tables, and a lecture by the ultimate circus music historian, Charlie Conrad (WJU #1525).
WJU’s continued commitment to young people and their pursuit of performance music and the Circus Arts will be evident again this year as we “Buy the House” for Sunday’s virtual classic Windjammers-accompanied performance by the The Circus Arts Conservancy Sailor Circus. You can make a donation to support this and other youth initiatives!
The entire convention is free to members. If you have not already paid your 2021 Dues, LOGIN and do so now. If you are having any problems signing on feel free to contact Joe Shearin, Secretary (WJU #3773).
We look forward to YOUR participation and support. May all your days be circus days!
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