Rehearsal Day Three

Friday was our last day of band only rehearsals as we'll be joined by the orchestra this afternoon. The core band consists of those who are soloists in the show:

Charlie Adams - Drums
Michelle Amato - Vocals
Karen Briggs, - Violin
Victor Espinola - Harp
Pedro Eustache - Various Wind Instruments
Ramon Flores - Trumpet
Ming Freeman - Keyboards
Alfreda Gerald - Vocals
David Hudson - Didgeridoo
Hussain Jiffry - Bass
Dan Landrum - Hammer Dulcimer
Armen Movsessian - Violin, Concert Master
Walter Rodriguez - Percussion
Samvel Yervinyan - Violin

David is the only one in that list who hasn't been rehearsing with us so far. He was supposed to be there a couple of days ago but there was a problem with his passport that is being worked out now. He's one of my favorite people in the tour and I'm anxious for him to get here so we can catch up.

Since yesterday was our last day without the orchestra, Yanni was, how should I say, a little intense that every detail be fine tuned. He pays close attention to what everyone is playing and wants each augmentation, chord voicing, syncopation etc., to be 'spot on' as my friend David would say. He reminds me of a jeweler examing a diamond with a magnifying glass, correcting each cut until he's ready for the public to see his work. The adding of the orchestra today will complete the ring. ¶ 12:33 PM