UNIVERSITY OF AKRON STEEL DRUM BAND

Since we are going to be performing at the Barberton Mumfest Sunday at 2:00, I just wanted to let you know the University of Akron Steel Drum Band will be performing at the Mumfest at 12;00. They are so fun to watch and listen to and they normally charge when they perform. This is an opportunity to see them for free. So come out earlier if you can!

September 18th Part Two from Jim

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

CONGRADULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

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!

Jim Adkins Inducted Into the Plain Local Schools Hall of Distinction

Submitted by Janet Scarry

Join us Thursday, September 28 to recognize Plain Local School Alumni who have distinguished themselves and have exemplified their community and school system.

The evening starts with cocktails 6 pm, followed by dinner at 6:45 pm. The induction ceremony is set to begin at 7:30 pm.

2023 Inductees

  • Jim Adkins (Class of 1965) – Teacher and Musical Director
  • One of 5 Inductees in 2023.

Event Location: Hall of Fame Village – 6th level – (2331 17th ST Canton, Ohio Canton, Ohio)

If you have any questions please email foundation@plainlocal.org or call 330.491.3870.

For more information and to register online click here.

Visit Plain Local Schools Foundation and Alumni Association website and Facebook.

JUST ME SHARING MY APPRECIATION AND EXCITMENT!

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

Inspiration for the Strings

Submitted by Cindy Ebner

I had an idea today to help myself get into the music more and see it with the dance or movie it is in to get a better feel for it.    I thought maybe we could put the following on the website and let people know they are there for inspiration and ideas.

Click on each piece to watch the video.

Last thing is for you regarding playing in synchronous movements that I thought you might like.

Summer Picnic July 29, 2023

Thank you to all of the board members and members who had a hand in organizing, setting up, grilling and cleaning up during the picnic. It takes lots of thought and planning to put on a special event like the one we had today! The performances were a delight, food was excellent and I got to meet some new people. Thanks again for a delightful afternoon. I had a blast! — Submitted by Debbie Withnell (Percussion)

Three Minor Scales Based on the Natural Minor

Connie has posted a graphic to reinforce the scale warmup that Bev introduced at the MAPS rehearsal on June 22, 2023.

These are the minor scales relative to the Major scale. The Natural Minor is based on the 6th degree of each Major scale. The Harmonic and Melodic minors are based on the Natural minor. The pattern is the same for all of the scales.