Doug Spata at Indian Hill Middle School

Today I did a "Johnny Depp" and paid a surprise visit to the Indian Hill Middle School 7th Grade Orchestra.  I was invited by the director, Candace Putz, who always puts on a great Halloween concert and has programmed Gauntlet and Violet's Tango.  I showed up early to surprise the class and rehearsed both pieces with the orchestra on stage.  Mrs. Putz took this photo for me:

 

I realize that I don't put many photos of myself on this blog, but that's what I look like.  Sorry to ruin the mystery.

IHMS has a good-sized orchestra with a phalanx of 'cellos, three basses, and a small but enthusiastic viola section.  They play with all the passion required for Gauntlet and all the style necessary for Violet's Tango and I had a great time.  I can't wait to come back and hear them in concert on Thursday night!

I also regaled the orchestra with the story of the time I met Lemony Snickett, the inspiration for Violet's Tango.