I have been fighting a cold this weekend. My tests have all been negative however I’ve been hibernating here at home and will not be attending rehearsals and classes this evening. I’m sure that you will agree that even though I strive to share everything with you all these germs should not be on that list. Enjoy making music this evening! See you Thursday at MAPS! Jim
DUKES OF DARROWVILLE GIG SCHEDULE CHANGES
Hello Dixieland Band Fans! Our Schedule has some last minute changes. Please see below and pass the news on to your friends and fellow Dixieland Fans! Thanks Jim
March 17, 31 – British American Club 8564 Ravenna Rd. Twinsburg 6:00 – 9:00
March 24 – Tadmor Shrine Fish Fry 3000 Krebs Rd. Akron 6:00 – 9:00
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
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!
NOTES FROM JIM 11/27/22
Good evening, everyone! Just want to take a moment to share with you all the POSITIVE FEELING of appreciation, achievement, and accomplishment that I have been feeling during the last six months.
I am so Blessed to have the opportunity to share with you all, my never-ending love of music. I can hear, see, and feel that you are growing toward this same inter glow as many of you are beginning to really feel the connection that we are making with our audiences. You are not just playing notes and making sound with your instruments you are connecting with them as your instruments becomes part of you and your inner feelings. Please remember that the more you know about the language the better you can use it to communicate your innermost artistic expressions. MUSIC IS THE LANGUAGE OF FEELINGS!!!!
I am also impressed with your deep feelings of cooperation and concern for each other. You may have noticed that each week we have different numbers of members who attend our classes and rehearsals. We are trying very hard to provide a schedule that is flexible, but also effective. We are carefully entering the time of the year during which our individual health becomes more challenged. Each week I have receive calls from responsible members who have made the correct decision to stay home simply because they feel that they are a little under the weather and do not want to put others in danger. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! These responsible decisions are what have allowed us to move forward and collectively advance our growth and understanding of the ART! MUSIC is like any other art form. It doesn’t exist in a unison format. It must be shared to exist, however taking care of yourself and being considerate of others is the formula for intelligent growth.
Finally, I need to express my sincere appreciation for the Board of Directors and Staff of our organization. I have the privilege of being surrounded by a team of people who REALLY CARE. They each understand the TRUE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS. They contribute their best efforts UNSELFISHLY toward the TEAM’S GOALS. They understand my old logo “FUN is spelled WORK, and WORK is spelled FUN.” MUSIC and Hard Work are the magic ingrediencies that are moving each of us forward. We are growing into something special, and I am so happy to be a small part in each member’s success. I’m so excited about our upcoming Concerts and a new year of continued growth!
\THANK YOU ALL! Each member is important! Remember…. I’M HERE FOR YOU!!!!
Jim
IMPORTANT HOT NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT 09/30/22
GOOD EVENING, FRIENDS AND LOVERS OF MUSIC! I’m super excited about the remaining Lessons, Classes, Rehearsals and Performances that take place during the end of the year HOLIDAYS! Our Board of Directors and Teaching Staff continue to work together planning, improving, changing and growing our program into a most unique experience for us all. I’m sure that the result will be a most JOYOUS musical finale for 2022.
It will be very IMPORTANT for ALL OF US to be in attendance at the KICKOFF REHEARSAL next Monday October 3rd. We are asking ALL MEMBERS including present Orientation and NOVICE classes to attend at 6:00. Please understand that sitting in during this rehearsal with your instrument is an excellent learning experience. Many of you will receive customized parts, as we move forward through this season, that will allow you to blend in with the entire ensemble. Our goal is to have everyone participate in sharing the SPIRIT OF THE SEASON with our audience on December 11th. Cal and I will be conducting this rehearsal by simply reading through many of the 12 selections we will be performing throughout the season. Connie (our ACE Librarian) will be busy handing out parts and making note of who needs what as usual without missing a note all night. It’s also very important for all MEMBERS to attend because at the end of the rehearsal, this Monday the 3rd, your Board of Directors will introduce several of the ideas and plans that will continue to allow us to grow in musical experiences and membership size! WE WILL DISMISS WITH SMILES ON OUR FACES AND SONGS IN OUR HEARTS AT 8:00.
LOOKING FORWARD TO MAKING MUSIC WITH YOU ALL NEXT MONDAY OCTOBER 3RD!
Jim
HOT NEWS FROM JIM 4/25/22
NHIMA Lakeside Chautauqua Music Camp (Ohio) Registrations is NOW OPEN!
Pre-registration for NHIMA members opened on the 22nd and over 40 applications have been accepted. Pre-registration for non-members opens on the 29th. This two-day camp will be held on the shores of Lake Erie at historic Lakeside retreat on AUGUST 22-23, 2022. The camp is for winds and percussion (sorry no strings) and will end the two days of rehearsal with a concert performance. Instructional fees for NHIMA members $125.00; non-members $145.00. Conductors Linda Hartley (University of Dayton) and Ozgood Cowsnowski (me), have selected a concert repertoire of some of our combined GREATEST HITS. Food and housing arrangements at the onsite Historic Hotel are available at very reasonable cost and are your best Chautauqua experience! Come on out and meet Roy Ernst the founder of NHB as he will be sitting in on flute! It is a great opportunity to meet and perform with musicians from all over the county. For more information and registration please go to https://newhorizonsmusic.org click on events, look for NHIMA Lakeside Chautauqua Music Camp.
Lynne and I are super busy packing and moving to what we are affectionally calling our Vacation Home. Please understand that my schedule is very full and over the next two weeks you will be seeing far less of me in person. We are very excited about the Spring Recital which you may all attend either in person or on Zoom this Thursday evening the 28th at 6:00 in the Sanctuary of the F.E.C. Please find the Zoom meeting numbers posted on the webpage. The “Dukes of Darrowville” are playing at the Houston Pub from 7:00 to 9:00 Wednesday the 27th so after the dress rehearsal join us! Also please remember that that there are no Wind Orientation or Novices classes that evening. I WILL BE AT LIVE REHEARSALS THIS EVENING, AND THE MAPS REHEARSAL AND CONCERT ON THURSDAY! Jaime, Bev, and Cal will be conducting FULL REHEARSALS next week. Jaime will covering her normal schedule however, all of my classes will be cancelled for the week!
Thanks, Jim
NEW PO BOX ADDRESS, NO WORRIES!!!!
Good morning ALL! I’m sure you have seen the announcement concerning the first step in our improved NHB Business Plan, the changeover to an independent mailing address. As announced yesterday, all of our business mail must be sent to our independent address which is : NEW HORIZONS of SUMMIT AND STARK COUNTIES, INC. PO BOX 5394 FAIRLAWN, OH 44334. We have made arrangements with the Post Office to receive continuous delivery of all mail posted last month and continuing into March that was received at the old address. It simply will be forwarded to our new address. I have a list of all Fee Payment received and you will be able to contact me personally or by phone, text, email or Carrier Pigeon if you have concerns or simply want to make sure that your fee payment is listed. Please do not try to make a Membership Payment in person at the store. If you already have made a payment in person, please check in with me as they have been forwarded to me as well. The completely NEW PLAN will be explained at our March 14th ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. I’m sure that you will be happy to learn that do to the good work of your BOARD OF DIRECTORS, our Membership Fee plan has been simplified and greatly improved!
MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND THE MARCH 14TH ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM. THANK YOU FOR BEING AN ACTIVE PART OF THIS GROWTH STEP IN OUR BAND OF HAPPY MUSICIANS! EACH OF YOU IS IMPORTANT! PARTY ON!!!
Jim
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Hello New Horizons of Summit and Stark Counties! Just a few words of thanks, instruction and information. 2021 was such an exciting year! I really feel that we all worked together creating some of the best performances of our history and without a doubt have enjoyed a huge musical growth. Thank you not only for your dedication, cooperation, commitment, and generosity but more importantly for your desire to grow!
I am very excited about kicking off 2022! Or Spring rehearsal schedule will be posted next week and will contain some very important changes and reorganization designed to offer more small group and sectional rehearsal opportunities. We will continue to rehearse and perform as one large string/ wind/ percussion ensemble as well. Our schedule will begin on Monday January 10th at the First Evangelical Church. Call a friend or former member and invite them back! You have an entire week to warm up and get your parts for “Evil Ways” and “Low Rider” down. That way we can sight read some other new FUN Charts as well!
We are working very hard to improve our Virtual program so that we can continue providing play along options for our classes and rehearsals. Our Board of Directors is presently reviewing our “Safe Health Guidelines” and will post our update of regulatory changes before January 10th here on our webpage. As in the past your cooperation and commitment to the health of all our members is paramount to our success. If you are a wind player, please try to practice with a mask that you have sliced so that you can play with a mask on. It may look silly and be harder to do but, in the end, it may help control and improve your ability to combat this virus. I truly believe that the shots and boosters will continue to prove to be our best defense. Together we can continue to commit to the safety practices that allow us to make music live and, in the moment, as it has always been intended to be.
I look forward to our next downbeat!
Jim
CONGRATULATIONS ON A SUPER PERFORMANCE!
I’m sure that you all went home sharing the same feelings of accomplishment as I did! The audience understood the message that we spoke as an ensemble of MUCISIANS! Thank you for your courage and trust in me as we took another GIANT STEP in our growth. I appreciate your hard work and best efforts. I’m really looking forward to 2022!
Here are some informative notes on Thursday evenings RECITAL! Please arrive before 6:00 and find a seat in the Sanctuary. Unless you are performing in the recital you will not need your instrument. There will be no regular rehearsal. The recital will be very entertaining and last about one hour. Many of your friends will be performing as soloist or in small ensembles. A continuous “Holiday Trivia” game will be directed from the stage by our Host, Jaime. A grand prize will be awarded the highest scoring audience member.
At the conclusion of the recital, we will dismiss you by sections at which time you will proceed to our normal rehearsal area forming a line at the double doors. Please bring your copies of the following four Christmas Concert selections 1. Farandole, 2. Here Comes Santa Claus, 3. Do You Hear What I Here, 4. Charlie Brown. Simply place these masters in the appropriate box. Please stay in line as you cross the room to pick up your new parts for two new selections 1. Evil Ways and 2. Low Rider. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in getting this done quickly! Merry Christmas!
Your Freind in Music!
Jim
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