Sunday, January 30, 2011

Reminder

Just a note this week to mention the Dinner / Concert / Fund Raising event for the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra is coming up on February11 and 12 at the Silver Spring Country Club.

I did find out this week that the ever-popular basket raffles will be available again this year. For those of you who are not familiar with these, each section of the Orchestra donates a basket of goodies. Those who attend the dinner / concert can purchase raffle tickets for the baskets. And yes, there are separate baskets for both the Friday and Saturday events, so if you win, you get to carry it out that night!

The food is very good and the concert is always a lot of fun. It's a great way to celebrate Valentine's day with your special someone. For more information, see the MFSO web site at http://my.execpc.com/~regent/mfso.htm.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

A community music resource

There is a web page devoted to all types of music groups all over Wisconsin. It's called Wisconsin Music Groups (catchy name!) and it is at this link: http://my.execpc.com/~regent/

Wisconsin Music Groups is a web site listing of different music groups in the state, maintained by Rich Regent. The list includes community bands, orchestras, choral groups, drum and bugle corps, ensembles, and just about anything else. The list includes information about rehearsals, contacts, and web links. So, if you were looking for a community music group in a certain area of Wisconsin, or you were looking for just a listing of community bands, this site will have a lot of information for you.

I suggest you stop by the Wisconsin Music Groups site and take a quick look. But don't forget about WisconsinCommunityMusic.blogspot.com. Keep visit here as well!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Fox Valley / French Horn News

For those who play the French Horn or who live near the Fox Valley, there is a special event happening on Saturday February 19th. Dr. Bruce Atwell from UW-Oshkosh has organized French Horn Day: a full day of activities for those playing the French Horn.

Students can get help preparing for solo and ensemble competitions. The attendees are invited to perform in a Horn Choir concert at 4PM. And this just in: The Fox Valley Horn Choir will perform the theme from Raiders Of the Lost Ark at the evening concert. The performance will be recorded and posted on You Tube following the concert.

Special guests for Horn Day will be the world renowned American Horn Quartet. They will conduct a master class in the afternoon, and perform in concert in the evening. They will also sit in with the Fox Valley Horn Choir for the performance of Raiders.

This is a great opportunity to hear one of the worlds best chamber ensembles. And if you have a student (or are a student) studying horn, here is a great opportunity to receive a critique on the solo or ensemble piece they/you have been working on.

For more information, or to get a registration form, here is the link: ww.uwosh.edu/music/festivals-camp-1/french-horn-day

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Concert Preview - Menomonee Falls Symphony

The first post of the year is a preview of a special concert: the annual fund-raising dinner for the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra. The MFSO is one of only a few community orchestras in our area. I find that fact surprising because we have so many successful community bands in the area.

Every year, the MFSO hosts a special Valentine Dinner / Concert at the Silver Spring Country Club. This year the event will be held on two evenings: Friday February 11 and Saturday February 12. Dinner begins at 6:30 while the concert begins right after dessert is served.

This year is the 20th Season of Music Director Michael Kamenski, and the theme for the dinner / concert is Creative Expressions from Mike. The concert will feature compositions and arrangements by Mr. Kamenski, and will include favorite soloists from the past. I know you'll have a great dinner, a wonderful time, and the money you spend will go to a great cause.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit the Orchestra's Website.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Calendar for the Spring 2011

Welcome to 2011. All of the community groups get back together in the cold of winter to work on one or more concerts in the next 5 months or so. Here is the list of concerts as I have it.

January - no concerts

February - 11,12 Menomonee Falls Symphony Valentines Celebration, Dinner at 6:30, Dessert and Concert at 7:30

March
6 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg Performing Arts Center

April
3 - Knightwind Ensemble, 3 PM, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (location change)
3 - Milwaukee Festival Brass, 3 PM, Wisconsin Lutheran College
17 - Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, 7:30 PM, Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University

May
15 - Lakeshore Symphonic Band, 3 PM, Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
15 - Milwaukee American Legion Band, 3 PM, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center
21 - Menomonee Falls Symphony, 7:30, Sussex Hamilton Fine Arts Center
30 - Knightwind Ensemble, 1 PM, Peck Welcome Center, Milwaukee County Zoo