Happy 4th of July and in memory of Huntmode, Peggie Duggan

Last year, my beloved friend Huntmode, on her Chasing Rabbit Holes blog, posted this video of the Star Spangled Banner. A lot has happened since last year. My friend and a friend to many, Huntie died May 15 of this year. She was a true patriot and loved this country and all the people in it.

In memory of this good friend and because we have such a wonderful country that we love, let’s crank this up and sing it, shout it with our hearts. Let’s come together as Americans – not special Americans, but Americans who truly love this country. And Huntie, I know you will be singing this with us.

Happy 4th of July. God bless America. God bless us all. And let us sing as one and pray for healing for our country.  And thank a veteran!!!!!!

Fireworks – getting ready for 4th of July

 
From our friends across the great pond = a spectacular firesworks display along with a wonderful performance of the end of the 1812 Overture. This work is one of my sentimental favorites. I was in my high school band. I played several different instruments and performed in the marching band, the show band, the baroque ensemble and on this particular piece of music, I got to play the tubular glockenspiels which represents the ringing of the church bells in victory. I had to have a six inch platform built so I can run back and forth and reach the bells with my percussion hammers. It was too much fun beating the heck out of those beautiful tubes of brass and making that sound fill up the auditorium. Of course, a mistake could be easily heard so I rehearsed and rehearsed. Beat the heck out of playing the bassoon during this piece!

But this is an inspiring piece of music and is perfectly paired with celebrations that involve fireworks. I hope this gets you in the mood for 4th of July – We have something wonderful to celebrate! God bless our military – active and veterans. God bless the USA.