Monday, September 29, 2014

Sweet and Dandy

Here's page one of "Sweet and Dandy" the roots reggae classic by Toots and the Maytals. This tune is a real feel-good gem.



The parts are easy enough, but I suspect the tenor and baritone parts will be a challenge to achieve a tight groove. You can hear this arrangement as rendered from my Finale file at:


... and make sure to listen to the original recording to hear how it REALLY goes!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Crafting Your Marimba, Fall 2014 edition

The Fall edition of Crafting Your Marimba is set for the weekend of October 31 through Nov 2.

Weekend class with marimba builder Tom Bourne

Where: Bourne Marimbas in Bellingham, Washington USA

Cost: STILL only $250, plus your accommodation and food

Learn everything you need to know about building marimbas for your local school or marimba band. Since 1995, Tom Bourne has built around 1500 marimbas of all sizes for schools and invites you to his shop to share his knowledge.

We will focus on the fabrication and tuning of marimba bars, since that is the single most challenging aspect of making a marimba.

Also in the workshop we will explore the acoustics of marimba bars and resonators, along with ways of constructing and outfitting frames of all sizes. Discussions will include wood selection and various practical matters for builders, with plenty of time to address special concerns and gain experience with various woodworking tools. We can also discuss the possibilities for your marimba project, focusing on how to plan and design your instrument.

Bellingham, Washington is located just south of the Canadian border between Seattle and Vancouver B.C. It is near all kinds of great activities on the water and in the mountains. Bellingham has a modern airport with direct flights to Denver, Las Vegas and other cities in the western USA.

This class is suitable for adults and teens who can use, or are willing to learn to use, a few basic power tools and hand tools safely.  Helpful also is the ability to distinguish musicals pitches relative to one another (which of two tones is higher or lower, for instance). If you have any concerns regarding your qualifications, let me know and we can figure it out.

I can provide suggestions in procuring lodging in Bellingham, many options available.

Class limited to 6.

To sign up or for further questions, contact Tom at:


Bournemarimbas@gmail.com