DECEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTERDATE: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 PLACE: Home of Colleen Bell TIME: 10:00 AM—11:30 AM PROGRAM: CHRISTMAS PARTY There will not be a business meeting this month, but do take careful note of the deadlines, some coming up right after the New Year, before the next meeting. For now, take a little time off to enjoy the company of your fellow teachers on a purely social occasion. Colleen Bell has not only opened her home for the occasion, but has designed the enclosed flyer, with her hand-drawn map on the back, to guide you there. Please bring a small plate of your favorites. *************************************************************************** CALENDAR OF EVENTS
• Sunday, December 11—7:30 PM—North Houston Symphony program at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 FM 1960 West (see “Furthermore” section to find out which member is on the program)
• January 7—Spring Theory Test entries & fees to Chairman Brad Love Ensembles: Chairman Doris Lum would appreciate an advance estimate of how many students might be signing up for any of the three ensembles. If you think your students may enter in January, please tell Doris Lum now, before the January 17th deadline. Be aware, too, that they must have passed the Fall Theory Test or retake it in the Spring and pass. Of course, they should already be working on the music. Yearbook Addition: Please add the following new member, elected at the November meeting: Welcome! Schoellman, Ana - Piano, Theory, Kinder Music (713) 471-0496 Student Winners: John Weems announced that the following of his students won in the Texas State TMTA MTNA Competition:
• In the Texas State MTNA Baldwin Competition (ages 11-14) Michael and Stephanie will compete in Lafayette, Louisiana on January 14 and 15, 2006, in the South Central Division, where the winner there will advance to the National Finals. They would then compete at the MTNA National Convention in March for the top prize in the nation. Trip Highlights: Cheri Bell was fortunate enough to be able to accompany her husband on a business trip to Germany, after which they did some sight-seeing in Wurzburg, Germany, Berlin, Prague, and Amsterdam. She writes, "The high point of my trip was attending a concert (brass ensemble and organ) held in St. Nicholas Cathedral in Prague. My favorite was the organist playing 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' and the brass ensemble performing Handel's 'Alleluia Chorus.' "I was surprised, though, when no one in the audience stood for the 'Alleluia Chorus.' Afterwards I asked one of the musicians about this, and he said it was not the custom in Europe. Interesting bit of trivia there." Practice-a-Thon Update: Colleen Bell’s students raised over $800 for the victims of hurricane Katrina with their practice-a-thon. Besides being a very worthwhile endeavor, it gave each one a real sense of what community service can accomplish—one person at a time. Congratulations to all! Furthermore. . . New member Darlene Manning has two major news items for us. Her son, Destin, 9 years old, is a part of the Alley’s "A Christmas Carol." He will be performing with the Alley from November 21 to December 28, 2005. That’s wonderful, Destin! You know what they say in show business — "Break a Leg" Of course that’s to ward off just such a thing… And, Darlene herself has just been appointed pianist for the Symphony of North Houston. Her first performance will be December 11, 2005 at the Northwoods Presbyterian Church, where she will be playing the piano part on the Charlie Brown Christmas Medley and a celeste part on the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite. Performance starts at 7:30 PM. Congratulations, Darlene! |