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Get into the SWING of things.
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DC Swing!, Washington's Lesbian and Gay Big Band, will be getting back into the swing of things with the start of their Summer season on Tuesday July 16, 2002 at Mark Swope's house. Normal rehearsals are at Christ Church (6th and G Streets, SE) at 7 PM. They are currently recruiting for a piano player, trumpet and trombone players, but any other instrument is welcome. If you're interested please e-mail dcswingmanager@dcdd.org for more information.
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Member Profile - Blake Velde
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I'm a native Arlingtonian and live in Arlington with my partner of 8 years Ron. I currently work for the US Department of Agriculture as a senior environmental scientist in the field of hazardous waste management and emergency response. Ive been involved in many different organization in DC during the past 20 years after graduating from William & Mary and Duke including the Bass Section leader of the Georgetown Chorale, VP of USDA GLOBE, music director at Dignity/Washington, W&M GALA and many other organizations.
Instrument: Bb and Eb Clarinet
Current City: Arlington, VA
Started In DCDD: I started playing in DCDD symphonic band in January of 2000 and joined the marching band in 2001. I currently serve on the Board of Directors. DCDD helped me regain something that had been missing in my life. I didn't realize how much I had missed playing clarinet and in an ensemble until I started playing again. In my 20 years in the GLBT of metro DC I had been frustrated with the many divisions in organizations particularly between the men and women. DCDD has helped reinforce my belief that gay men and lesbians can work together in an environment of mutual support and fun. I'm grateful for the opportunity to both play and serve DCDD and hopefullly for many more years to come.
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A Musical Quilt
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DCDD's Symphonic Band and the Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Washington have jointly commissioned an original work for symphonic band and SATB chorus to musically represent the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The work is slated to be premiered for World AIDS Day in December 2003. The composer selected is Robert Maggio, whose music has been performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, American Dance Festival, Detroit Chamber Winds, and the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, among others.
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July 4th Fun
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No plans for the fourth? Well how about a down-home parade to start the day. The marching band will once again be playing down the streets of the Palisades section of NW. If you aren't doing anything, come on out and join them. Want to volunteer to help? Contact Pam Wolfe, Toni Marechaux, or Jamie Roberson. Or just show up with a chair, buy a hot dog and some ice cream, and watch a very fun, cute, old-fashioned street parade. (Keep an eye out for the Bumblebees, an over-65 tap group wearing bee costumes. They are adorable.)
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Never too early to think about running
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Board elections? How can anyone think of board elections in this heat?
Well you might want to start. Before you know it, it will be time to decide on who you want to represent your interests at board meetings. Currently the board is looking at rehearsal space, new instruments, budgeting money for next year, and working on the quilt piece. Do you seriously want those items decided without your input? Contact a current board member for information about running for an office.
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From thy dark exile thou art summoned!
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Is there any better way to end the summer music season than with a musical? Come on out and watch "Iolanthe - the Dyke and the Fairy" this August at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Try to restrain yourselves as Kerry Jones embraces his inner dyke. Watch in amazement as Dean Reichard in his first starring role shows his love for a woman. Listen as Keith Glaeske comments on the action onstage in an airy, yet concerned manner. Musical direction by our very own Scott Barker. Shows are Aug. 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17. Make your plans now!
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