Dear Band,
As I reflect on another successful year of music, I give thanks for the relationships that has developed. Without a doubt we played well, we played a lot of music and the community appreciated our efforts. On the other hand, there is more to 2013 and the band than that.
In July of this year, I was given the book, “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. Part of what was inscribed inside the cover is, “…. This book is a gift to you. It will remind you why you do what you do with so much pride and passion. Enjoy your much deserved rest……”
I am proud of the Believers Band and I am also proud to be a part of the organization. To me the band has become a “community” . We have learned to tolerate each other, to care about each other and to work toward a common goal. Coming to rehearsals and performing together has built our relationships, keeps us accountable to each other, makes our self discipline stronger and offers each of us a share of the common goal.
I do appreciate all of the hard work the officers (Bill Carr, Pres. – Trumpet), Ron Foster, VP – French Horn), (Jean Collin, Sec. Clarinet) and (Steve Ryan, Treas. – Baritone), contributed to make things happen. That is also true for the conducting team of Beth Bryant (Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet …..), Bill Risinger (Trumpet), Larry Preiss (Clarinet), Richard Hunt (Trombone, Dixieland Band Conductor and Jazz Band Assistant Director) and Karyl Evans (Flute, Conductor and Director, Gala Winds). Without their efforts and willingness to give of their time, we could not have been successful. After having said all of this, without your hard work and effort, a successful year would not have happened.
I believe that we will have an even more successful year in 2014. We will discuss some of the plans for 2014 at our first rehearsal for the new year, on Tuesday, January 7, at 6:00 pm.
Please mark your calendars for our Spring concert on April 27 and our veterans concert on November 9.
John and I have talked about another combined Patriotic concert with the choir for Sunday, June 29. It seems as if this could be a vacation week for many of you. Please check your calendars and be prepared to make your commitments to play or not to play when we come back from the Christmas break. Without the proper instrumentation I can’t make the commitment to perform. Please make every effort to adjust your calendars. Thanks!
Rita and I will be closing on our new house in Cresswind Thursday and doing some of the moving and preparing the new house with new curtains, towel bars and all those things. Without a doubt, we will be a little “discombobulated.” If you need us, please call, don’t depend on the internet. Thanks for your understanding.
You are one of the best gifts a person could share at Christmas. Thanks for all you do and for all you give. Have a Merry Christmas and hope to see you in January. By the way, Thank you for the generous Christmas gift. It is appreciated.
Merry Christmas.
Richard
PS. I didn’t forget this point, I just wanted to call attention to it. Over the Thanksgiving holiday Bill Timpone (clarinet) lost his father, Sam. Bill’s daughter Conner (flute) and son Mickey (baritone) have also played in the Believers Band a few years ago. We extend our sympathy to Bill and his family. Please keep them in your prayers.