Comin’ In On A Wing And A Prayer By Jimmy McHugh and Harold Adamson 1943

Over the dim-lit flarepath
An anxious silence reigned.
Scanning the blue horizon,
Our anxious eyes were strained.

The radio sets were humming,
They waited for a word,
Then a voice broke through the humming,
And this is what they heard:

“Comin’ in on a wing and a pray’r,
Comin’ in on a wing and a pray’r,
Though there’s one motor gone,
We can still carry on,
Comin’ in on a wing and a pray’r.

What a show, what a fight,
Yes, we really hit our target for tonight.
How we sing as we limp through the air,
Look below, there’s our field over there.
With a full crew aboard and our trust in the Lord
We’re comin’ in on a wing and a pray’r.

Listening, watching, hoping,
Was all that we could do,
Waiting for J. for Jimmy
And all the gallant crew.

Then over our longing vision
A dim grey shadow fell,
And, like music, came the message
That told us all was well:

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!

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