On with the show...

Here's the cast warming up on stage before the house opens.  It's a beautiful facility...and anyone new to the community would be pleasantly surprised that we have such a big theater; it has served the community well over the years.

And, again, here's the orchestra warming up before the show.

It's been said before, that our county, though meager in population, is rich with artistic talent.  It's been proven time and time again.  As a kid, I was under the impression that big talent came from big cities.  The concept is ridiculous; talent knows no boundaries; tremendous talent can be nurtured even in the remotest areas.

I feel very fortunate to be able to play in the orchestra for the college's spring musical right along side musicians who range from college band and choral directors, to high school band and choral directors, to members of the community band or symphony.  A few others in the orchestra are outstanding high school students.   I admire their talents!

From my vantage point, I am at the back of the orchestra with Carl on my right.  He's a great percussionist and keyboard player; he has taught music for many years and has performed in various bands in a variety of venues.  He blows a mean train whistle in this show! Plus, he's the guy with 2 bags of bite-sized chocolate bars.  It's great for us keyboard players...too bad for the horns and reeds... a distinct disadvantage to have to wait to nibble on chocolate!

Then, on my left is the ever entertaining saxophonist, Jason.  He is the band director at the college, who has been fantastic in leading student and community musicians, both as a musician and director.  But if there's a little down time between his playing three different instruments in the show, he eases the boredom by donning various hats and wigs. 

 Wish you could hear both he and his wife Laura play some of the licks in the show.  The passages are furiously fast, fun, and lyrical -- you have to be damn good to play these parts well. She's on clarinet and is pictured below center (with long brown hair).

Well, time to get ready to go.  We've got two shows today. 

A skiff of snow

This morning, I woke up to more moisture...but thankfully, only a skiff of snow.  I suspect it will melt off by late afternoon. 

So sorry, but I've got nothing for pictures today.  I'm just about to leave the house, and  I'll be busy accompanying choirs on the piano, and in the late afternoon, will give a couple lessons...so my schedule leaves very little time on the computer. 

Hope your day is busy, too, with wonderful activity.  I'll share the progress on the "Brickless Scarf" soon.  It's got an interesting look.  I'm thinking it will be very nice once it's blocked.

Christmas Programs

Every elementary student was in every Christmas program at the school I attended, so I had a few performances under my belt by the time I reached Jr. High. The community loved and supported every program.

I don't remember many specifics, but  one picture, probably taken by my parents, sticks in my mind; it was a big production! The picture revealed a colorful  and somewhat elaborate western background on the stage, which was filled with little students in colorful frocks.

Thinking back, I now realize that as a grade school student preparing for these programs, I was learning traditional  Christmas literature, learning to sing in large group, learning to hear and sing harmony, and learning concert etiquette. That music background led to my learning to play clarinet and to not only continue piano lessons, but also learn to accompany.  So by the time I was in high school, I had many opportunities to sing in a choir, to accompany soloists, and to play in a band.

I think what's remarkable about it all is that this was a small, rural community. Most classes had only 20-30 students.  But, somehow we were blessed with some top-notch teachers, and they gave me the opportunity to find my passion in the arts, nurture it, and give it expression.    I am so thankful that this was the case.

 My involvement in the arts has continued to this day in one way or another. When I hear of schools cutting back on instruction in the arts, I stand aghast.

Performing Arts

Hooray for those who make sure the performing arts are alive and well in rural areas!!

Our local “Friends of the Library” recently presented an evening of art and music titled “Ladies Night Out.”  The premise was that there are many talented ladies in our county who might agree to showcase their talent one evening at the library.  As it turned out, those presenting their talents were a harpist, three vocalists, a pianist, a poet, and seventeen artists.  The artists’ display included oils, pastels, acrylics, mixed media, fiber arts, pottery, photography, and quilting.  We’re a small community, and we often feel far away from “big city” productions and talent; however, we have a lot of fine talent that finds its way to the public in amazing ways.  I’m really thankful for this! 

Evidently the event was organized rather quickly, and I did not see it advertised.    However, a nice crowd gathered to enjoy the work of these talent gals, who ranged in age from 18 to 80.  

I was there because I was asked to accompany one of the vocalists on one of her pieces.  This was a special treat for me because I have known this accomplished vocalist, Amara, since she was a tot and have been able to watch her grow up and progress as a performer in both drama and music.  I had the pleasure of working with both she and her brother in many shows.  The piece that she performed, “Other Side of Eighteen,” was written by her brother Cameron, so the music was very special to perform.