All Work and All Play- The North Suburban Wind Ensemble's Debut Performance and an interview with Don Shupe

Fall's a time for all things cozy and colorful.  As the light fades earlier, we stick closer to home, and nestle in under cozy blankets with cups of hot cocoa.  The bright foliage waves its goodbyes and we settle in for the winter.

I was walking downtown Libertyville this weekend thinking that it's the perfect time for exploring the world just outside your door.  You can sit by the fire at Caribou, catch a seasonal beer at Finn's, or enjoy a rainy evening with a cup of french onion soup at Firkin. 

There's a new option though, and I'm excited to tell you about it.  This year a new musical group has been filling the fall air with music.  I'm proud to be a part of it, proud to have it in my own community, and grateful for the wonderful leadership of Don Shupe, who I suspect some of you in town might know.

This is a group of dedicated musicians who oftentimes work all day and then come out to the high school Tuesday nights and put another 3 hours work in.  Many of our members are band directors at local schools and some even direct other ensembles in the area. 

It might seem crazy to work all day and then get home and work again- but I think that's what makes this group great- the real passion for music.  I recently asked Don to answer a few questions about the group, and I'd love to share his answers with you. So sit down with me (and a cup of cocoa) and get to know the director, then come see us in our debut performance on November 11th at 4 pm at Libertyville High School.

1.  What are your goals for this new ensemble?  What would you like to see happen with this group in the coming months and years?  

-"The goal of this ensemble is simple; to play music of the highest caliber at the highest possible level of performance.  This group is for fine musicians who are interested in playing in a collegiate level ensemble.   The main difference is, our band rehearses once a week and the members have other full time jobs.  There lies the challenge!  In terms of the future, I am content to see where things go as we move forward.  I set no limits!"

2. After having a long (and successful) career in music, what motivates you to keep directing bands?

-"I love music and I love working with people who share my passion for making music.  There is so much great music yet to be explored, no sense to stop now."

3. What role do you hope the ensemble has in the Libertyville and greater Lake County area? 

-"My goal was to form a band that is very selective in choosing musicians who are capable of delivering an artistic performance on the most challenging wind band literature."

4. What is your favorite thing about music?  Your favorite moment of a concert? 

-"I love the power of music.  I also love the team concept.  The broad range of sound can capture any emotion. I enjoy the way every individual's sound is significant in creating an grand expression on a scale that goes beyond the individual. Playing or singing in a fine organization is the ultimate team activity...and no one sits on the bench either.  Some of my most memorable moments have come during or just after conducting a great piece of music that was performed at the highest level.  Chills go up my spine when the music is great!"

5. And finally, why did you start the NSWE?

- "The group grew out of the suggestions of a few people who came to me and said they were looking for a special ensemble made up of people who shared their passion for making music and wanted to do it in a cooperative, positive and respectful environment.  Since I was looking for the same thing, the decision was easy!  My favorite part of working with this ensemble has been the people.  We have so many wonderfully trained musicians, some of whom were my colleagues from my days teaching at Libertyville High School.  I feel like I'm driving a finely tuned machine whenever I work with the band, and I don't have to pay for the gas!

I want to thank Don for taking the time to chat with me about the group, and I want to invite all of you in Libertyville in from the chilly fall air to celebrate our debut performance on November 11th at 4 PM at Libertyville High School.  Tickets are $5 at the door.

We're proud to be a part of the community and we hope our passion for music comes through loud and clear! See you there!