Author: James Adkins

Good afternoon! Here is the order of the selections we will perform on Sunday’s Mum Fest Concert. Call time is 1:15………downbeat at 2:00. See you all on Thursday at the F.E.C. at 6:00. Best Parking for Mum Fest is at the Magic City Plaza which is 4 blocks East of Lake Anna on Wooster Road. We will talk through drop off spots and times for those who have special needs at Thursday’s rehearsal. Jim

1. Star Spangled Banner
2. Ukrainian National Anthem
3. Celebration Fanfare
4. Liberty Bell
5. Pictures at an Exhibition
6. Thunderer
7. Satin Doll
8. It Don’t Mean a Thing
9. Disney Film Favorites
10. Journey in Concert
11. Hallelujah

It is a very special moment when connection is made between performers and audience. Standing ovations are few and far between especially in the world of large group performances. Your hard work, both as an individual and an ensemble, touched the hearts of the audience as they individually experienced the FEELINGS of each selection. Thank you for going down this road with me! I appreciate each of you and look forward to our continued growth together.

Jim

Please share with your Friend that this evening’s rehearsal has been cancelled! Rehearsal Thursday evening starting at 6:00 will be Full Combined Ensemble at the F.E.C. We are performing this Sunday at the BARBERTON MUMFEST. Report time at the Lake Anna Gazebo in Barberton is 1:15 and the concert downbeat is at 2:00. Please dress as you did yesterday however, sunglass, hat, jackets etc. may be added with respect to the weather.

Concert List will be posted THIS AFTERNOON! Parking Instructions will shared on Thursday evening!

Rehearsal minutes are golden and even with the best made plans seem to disappear with faster than light speed. I was fortunate enough to be a member of the Akron Symphony in the 70’s under the Direction of Louis Lane. During one of our rehearsals, I could feel that he was for some reason paying attention to my cymbal technique. He cut off the orchestra and looked directly at me with piercing eyes and a very displeased expression. “Mr. Adkins! You are in an Orchestra, not a kitchen! More practice is necessary! ” A few days later when I had finally regained some control of my hurt feelings, I was fortunate enough to speak with a former teacher and personal idol of mine from the Cleveland Orchestra. He talked to me about technique, listening, and feelings. He talked to me about feeling the meaning of the music and understanding the intentions behind the composer’s choice of sounds and colors. He shared with me that listening to others performing helps to develop the expression of even a cymbal crash. Two months later! In a performance of a completely different Symphony. Louis Lane once again turned toward me making direct eye contact and queued my cymbal crash. A small grin and the moving up and down of his eyebrows as he turned to que the cello entrance told me that I had practiced my why out of the kitchen.

I ‘m sharing this story with you because I want you to understand that I can not only hear our improvement as an ensemble, but I can also feel the connections you are making with each other. You are developing into a much tighter musical unit. You are sharing, supporting and expressing FEELING through sound. This only comes through individual practice and commitment. Thank you for spending time in preparation for each rehearsal. Thank you for accepting our suggestions and repetitive corrections. Thank you for trusting us! Thank you for understanding that there is never enough time for rehearsals. Each one is IMPORTANT! Each rehearsal has a purpose! More importantly however, is what you do to improve your understanding of WHY you practice on your own!

Our rehearsal plan is very limited between now and our September 17th performance. I will be posting our Concert Day Schedule on September 1st. Every minute of rehearsal time between now and the downbeat of the concert has a planned purpose. Please be a part of every rehearsal knowing that your reward will be as simple and meaningful as a grin and the twitch of an eyebrow.

I’m EXCITED!!!!!!

Jim

The music for both FLUTES and CLARINETS that will be performed as individual small group ensembles at our Picnic on July 29th, will continue to be passed out and rehearsed at the following rehearsals: June 29th; July 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th (6:00 at the F.E.C. not at MAPS), 24th and 27th. These selections do not take the place of but are in addition to the Woodwind Choir selection conducted by Cal . Please remember that our FULL ENSEMBLE rehearsals on June 29th, July 6th; 10th; and 13th are very important to the opener of our Summer Lawn Chair Concert Series at 4:00 on Sunday July 16th at the Emanuel Church in Doylestown. (How is that for a run on sentence?) Thanks for your hard work and cooperation.

Jim

As always, Spring finds me SUPER CHARGED and ready to MAKE MUSIC!!!! I’m sending out this message simply to share with you my excitement and enthusiastic support for your hard work and remarkable improvement. Your individual work has allowed our ensembles the opportunity to step into the world of performance for pay! Several of our Summer Large and Small Ensemble performances will compensate our income and support our costs for music and equipment. We realize that all of us have commitments, vacations, activities, and responsibilities that at times my create conflicts with rehearsals and performances. We are a team! Our individual best efforts are always the magic that makes music special. “Music is what feelings sound like”. Each of us are important and your contribution of time and commitment is appreciated. However, we will do everything in our power to always be flexible and understanding. Each of you are important to all of us and more importantly what we stand for! “Together we can make it happen!”

View the performance schedule

Jim

I’m so excited about jumping into 2023, our 19th year! Our Board of Directors have been instrumental in developing and implementing a management program which is supporting our re-growth in membership and musicianship. They are presently organizing our Annual Business Meeting which will be held on Monday February 27th at 6:00. Please mark your calendars and watch for instructions.

We have made some changes to our classes and rehearsal Schedules. As always, these changes are specific and important to our Growth Program. The schedule will be posted today, so please study the new Calendar Post and the following explanation paragraphs. Questions will be answered on January 9th at the F.E.C.

WINTER SPRING GOAL “UNISON”

You are all making such good progress in the development of your individual musicianship. Our performances are meaningful and are beginning to be representative of the expression of the language intended by the composer. It’s time now to take the next step! This step is one that demonstrates the unity of that expression. It’s the combination of visual, physical, and mental agreement between all the performers. A unison of movement, technical blend, and artistic expression. It’s an agreed union of controlled talent through expression. It’s a balance, not unlike a team. It’s a connection, not unlike a cast of actors in a play or movie that are in the moment and making a script become alive. Simply trust us. Decide now that you want us to take this cooperative and necessary step. “WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN! WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!” Believe me you will not be sorry you made this decision. It changes everything and brings it all to a new level for everyone! Even when you make a mistake! It makes it more enjoyable, understandable, and rewarding!

The faculty chose new method books which will be used by everyone during sectional rehearsals and individual home practicing sessions. These new books are designed to help mold us all into an understanding and controlled UNISON of the language of music. Please understand that just like in the past each of us will be responsible for purchasing their own copy. This can be achieved online or at most any local music store. The books become your own property and are connective in that they can be used in live or virtual practice routines. You will all need your books at Monday night Sectional rehearsals starting on January 23rd. These books are designed to be used by all levels of ability and progress quickly through accepted and consistent practice. They will help all of us achieve a much higher level of unison musicianship. STRING MEMBERS BOOK by instrument. “Sound Innovations for Strings” by Phillips/Boonshaft/Sheldon, Book 2. Alfred Music. WINDS AND PERCUSSION by instrument. “Tradition of Excellence” second edition by Pearson/Nowlin. Book 1 for orientation class members; Book 2 everyone else. Kjos Music. All Books are under $15.00.

The schedule for the month of January is designed to kick off this new Goal and also maintain the ability to successfully prepare performances by the String Orchestra, Band, Combined Full Ensemble, and small groups. New Combined Ensemble Music will be passed out at the First Monday evening rehearsal on the 9th. at the F.E.C. This the same Monday night Schedule for both A and B weeks. 5:00 – Novice Strings; 6:00 – Wind and Percussion Orientation (All Band Members who have been members less than 2 years), Book 1. 6:00 – Sectionals ( All members for more than 2 years by family; Strings, Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion) Book 2. 7:00 – FULL COMBINED REHEARSAL Thursday B weeks simply change location to the MAPS Museum 2:30 – 4:00. They will also be split in two rooms Band and String Orchestra. The A week Thursdays will be Full Combined Ensemble Rehearsals. THERE ARE NO WEDNESDAY CLASSES OR REHEARSALS this quarter.

I’m EXCITED!!!! call meeeeeeeeeeee with questions. See Ya next Monday!!

Jim

WOW!! What a terrific finale to our 2022 year! This ENCORE performance touched the hearts of the audience and was unmistakably an important part of all of our Holiday Festivities! This performance was from our hearts and souls and was certainly one of the Best Gifts of the Season. One from the heart! Bravo! Bravo! BRAVO!!

As always, I’m excited about the future and can’t wait to share with you our plans for next year. We will continue to work together on improving our musical skills, and the addition of new members. Our business plan and reorganizations are proving to create the foundational strength that we need to maintain our continual regrowth and musical effectiveness. Our combined musicianship is bringing us to a level that comes from our understanding of the language and the expression of the feelings and meaning of each composition. I am so fortunate to be part of this special group and will always cherish the moments we have together. Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Jim

P.S. Choir rehearsal will begin in January and may become a traditional opener for our Holiday Performances! Well Done, Vocalist!