Day 103: Singin' In the Rain

I'm kind of surprised I haven't talked about this yet, and since the April Showers have finally started here in Wisconsin, it was about time to pull out this movie and write a blog post on it.

There is no movie like Singin' in the Rain. I'm not really sure how one couldn't like this movie...since I honestly feel it is one of the best movies I have ever had the pleasure of watching. It's certainly something everyone should see in their lifetime...and I don't suggest waiting, because I know I always want to watch it again and again.

I guess you could say the reason I watched it in the first place was because of Disney, and that's how it ties in. In the Great Movie Ride, very near the beginning, there is a scene from the film, when Gene Kelly is singing in the rain. There are also some clips of the film stuck into the montage at the end, and while I always got the song stuck in my head (I sang "Singin' In the Rain" for a concert type performance a few years ago), I never actually watched the movie until a few years ago.

Now it seems I have everyone hooked...well, at least my best friend and I, who both agree that our favorite character is Cosmo and our favorite songs are "Good Morning" and "Moses." Honestly, we go around quoting all day long, randomly bursting into "Moses Supposes his toeses are Roses, But Moses supposes Erroneously, but Moses he knowses his toeses aren't roses, as Moses supposes his toeses to be!" That is probably one of the most difficult things to type out, but the way. I think it's harder to write out than it is to actually say it!

I also feel it's worth noting that Carrie Fisher's mom, Debbie Reynolds, stars in this film, and it's just awesome to see her and see where Carrie came from. Plus it helps explain that time Princess Leia was singing in the Star Wars Holiday Special...but like always, that's a post for another day. 

Either way, this is a great film, and a must see for anyone, especially if you love movies. The history aspect is great, the songs are very very catchy (be careful...they WILL get stuck in your head), the storyline is captivating and the actors just bring it all home. Of course, there are plenty of crazy dance numbers that make you wish you knew how to dance or that you lived in the 1920's, so there's that too. 

Here's today's Disney History: 1743: Thomas Jefferson, the third United States President (and author of the Declaration of Independence), is born in Albermarle County, Virginia. Major events during his presidency include the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visit Jefferson (and all the U.S. Chief Executives) at Disney World's The Hall of Presidents and Epcot's The American Adventure.

Have a magical day...and remember..Dignity. Always Dignity.

Day 80: Music for Band

Each year, my band has the seniors choose one selection for our final concert and to play at graduation. I, of course, would love to play a Disney song, specifically one that features each senior in our group, which is easy for us since there are only 5 of us. Either way, it's generally a score from a movie or musical, since last year we did Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, and previously we've done Wicked.

So I've spent some time researching this music and it's interesting to see what's all out there in the world of concert band arrangements of Disney songs. Currently I'm listening to Circle of Life, but earlier I had on Brave. I personally really like Brave because it does feature each section nicely and the idea of the songs and film fit perfectly in line with graduation, so it's certainly a possibility.

But I wanted to say that someone should write a great jazz arrangement of Everybody Wants to Be a Cat. You'd think there would be one out there, but there really isn't, and it's the one song I really wish my jazz band could play because it would just be so entertaining, especially since my best friend's favorite Disney movie is indeed the Aristocats.

I would also love to see a John Williams arrangement that features everything from Indy to Han Solo and the Princess (especially Han Solo and the Princess). I'd write something myself but I am not that talented and have no where near enough time. I think it would be fun to do something like that someday though.

Now I'm listening to Hollywood Milestones, filled with Beauty and the Beast, Jurassic Park, Apollo 13, Raiders March, Jaws and more. It's quite entertaining to spend all morning doing this.

Here's today's Disney History: 1962: Actor Matthew Broderick, the voice of the adult Simba in Disney's The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride and The Lion King 1 1/2, is born in New York City. He also starred in Disney's 1999 live-action feature Inspector Gadget and the 2003 ABC-TV edition of The Music Man, which aired on The Wonderful World of Disney.

Have a magical day!