Dear Band,
It seems as if things are moving very fast. Usually I would have a “Welcome Back” letter with some goals and dreams about the coming year to you long before now. Sorry, it’s either old age or an accumulation of a long “To Do” list of a successful program that has taken my time, or some of both.
Each year I review the goals for the band that I put together back in 2002 to see if they are still meaningful. Before we get too far into the year I wanted to share some of my thoughts about what the Believers Band means to me. Following is what I just added to our web page:
Welcome Back To The Believers Band 2016

As I look forward to a new year, I again review our goals – Are they still relevant?

Using Music as a Vehicle to Have Fun
Refresh the Spirits of the Players
Refresh the Spirits of the Listeners
Because the band has such a wide range of abilities, musical interests and numerous talents, the question seems to me, “How are we going to keep everyone’s interest if we only play the black spots on the page?” It’s not likely that Sibelis ever expected the 10,000 orchestras or bands that have played his Finlandia to play it exactly the same or exactly like it is written. We must use music to reach a goal, NOT play music to see if we can play a song like some 10,000 others have.

As we interpret the composer’s music, the feelings and intentions that a composer put on paper often times just “jump out to you.” We can feel the stress, the humor, the anxiety and the sorrow. The music gives us a release as the chords pass from one section of the band to another. As we play the notes and feel the music, the audience also picks up the emotions of the composer.

Give to the Community
As we look around us and see the need to lift the spirits of others and in turn we know that we have that ability within our grasp – we should give of our talents. As we listen to the uncertainties and struggles around us – we need to provide as much relief as we can for our community.

Enjoy Christian Fellowship
Sometimes there are very few places a fellow Christian can go and expect to be treated with the Golden Rule. Being with others who are friendly, neighborly and caring is needed fellowship.

As I reflect on our goals, I see that they continue to be worthy. In 2016 I look forward to sharing these goals with all of those influenced by the Believers Band’s positive attitude.

I am pleased that you have chosen to share your talents, skills and energy and be a part of the Believers Concert Band.

I look forward to working with you in the coming year. Thank you for your commitment.

Richard L. Petty