full group: Victor, Brad, Chris, Alex, Dev, Glenn, Rick
Today is an extended meeting for the Circle in preparation for Opening Night of their performance series next week. Also, over the past few days a scheduling conflict has arisen with another group that uses the space, and this problem will need to be assessed and dealt with.
C and A arrive around noon, where B and V have already been working for two hours, engineering an equipment set-up to be used for performance. The rig has been outfitted with a pair of matching PA speakers for full quad sound and a direct input box to help streamline cables; serendipitously, eight bar stools were discovered on arrival by B and V, potentially preventing a talked-about GCNE expense.
A soundcheck with the four, and a few bits of repertoire, including a Hideyo-less Blockhead. A first nod is given B's arrangement of The Sunken Cathedral; D arrives during this time. Some visits to other repertoire with D, then a return to TSC. G arrives, and the first break is called at 1:40.
There is some discussion of the logistics and repercussions of a time slot conflict with another group, which the primary contact for Spontaneous Celebrations was unaware of during his correspondence with B. Once a month, this said other group - a men's group, numbering between 30 to 70 - would need the room on a Sunday, during the time that the Circle would be performing. There is another room below the main one - perhaps (depending on what they are doing) the men's group could be negotiated with to move operations there? Maybe do some performances at a different venue? Or, perhaps it is a sign that SC is not the right place for the Circle?
With such things in mind, the group returns to rehearsal mode in silence around 2:00. V calls an improvisation, which in turn leads to some spirited circulation - some Circlers are on the edge of their seats! R's arrival marks the attendance of the full group.
With R, more repertoire is called, and Opening in particular receives a good deal of attention. To go with the six or the seven seat arrangement? That is the question, and at the moment the former appears the more stable of the two. More work in this vein until 4-ish, where a second break (for lunch) is called. This recess lasts about forty-five minutes.
When the Circle returns, they are anticipating the arrival of a karate instructor whose class may require them to move downstairs. V calls a few circulations to get the group engaged after the lengthy break, and repertoire work continues, without interruption (the instructor graciously deferred to the lower room). Work is able to proceed until the advent of the men's group around 5:45.
Sure enough, the men's group does require the larger space, and it is time for the Circle to quickly set their gear aside. They reconvene downstairs in the smaller room, which is a kind of community space, but also oddly suited to an intimate performance. For now the guys are unplugged, and decide it is a good occasion to take TSC by the horns (during this, there is plenty of chanting and dancing coming from upstairs). A final break is called at 7:00, after which, a few full takes of Cathedral. The group aims to be off-book with the piece by next week.
Although the men's group needs the main space for their work, B reports that they are willing move their social period from the beginning of their meetings to the end - accommodating, and perhaps bolstering, a performance downstairs by the GCNE at 8:00. There seems to be a general consensus that SC is worth a shot, with three upstairs performances and one downstairs each month. Naturally, there is much talk of remaining preparation for next week. D and R volunteer to come in during the week (barring horrendous weather) to tweak the lighting. The group is currently looking at some miscellaneous refurbishment of the upstairs room, and will be in touch with their contact for the space.
With their bases covered, the Circle return upstairs to clean up, and are out the door by about 9:20.
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