President's Letter |
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Women’s Symphony League 2011-2012 In The Mood Dear Symphony League Members, It is an honor and pleasure for me to serve all of you as WSL President during this exciting year of discovery for our symphony. January 16, 1938 is the date of the famous Carnegie Hall concert that Benny Goodman titled “Twenty Years of Jazz.” The sold-out crowd of 2,760 paid between 85¢ and $2.75 for their seats. When the patrons purchased their tickets, they were unaware that they were about to witness historical and electrifying performances of red-hot musicians, the frenzied rush of audience members dancing in the aisles, the coronation of The King of Swing, and the launch of the Big Band Era’s cascade of popular and memorable melodies. As we journey together through the 2011-2012 season and conductor search, I am eagerly anticipating many delightful musical experiences and events.
This year’s calendar is brimming with opportunities. We will “Begin the Beguine” with a style show and brunch at Villa Di Felicita in September. It will be a lovely way to celebrate the services of our esteemed Classics, Keynotes, and Gala Guild members.
Each of our general meetings this year will again be held at the First Presbyterian Church. In October, Dr. Michael Thrasher, Director of the UT Tyler School of Performing Arts, will be returning to perform “Don’t Be That Way” and other selections from big band clarinetists.
On the evening of December 6th, The Tyler Music Coterie and WSL members will present “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” This will be a collaborative performance of holiday favorites from the 1940’s. Our last year’s President and Ball Chairs, as well as, our new Keynotes members will be awarded service pins.
WSL will usher in 2012 with our annual winter fundraisers in January. “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” Bunko is scheduled for the evening of January 19th at Potpourri House. We are hopeful that the Andrews Sisters will stop in to roll dice with us! Hollytree Country Club will be the location for Games Day at the USO on January 24th. A brief meeting, table games galore, and a luncheon will complete a day of fun with friends.
Pitch Perfect, under the direction of Amy McMichael, will present “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” at the February general meeting. Pitch Perfect is the Whitehouse High School Show Choir. They recently performed in Branson, Missouri, and will entertain us with popular WWII favorite selections.
A spectacularly elegant gala, An Evening at the Plaza, is planned for March 2nd, at Harvey Convention Center. This splendid event highlighting our senior JSL members and their families is not to be missed. WSL wishes to honor the many years of service and support so generously offered by these students and their parents.
“Sentimental Journey” will be our last general meeting. Clearly Vocal, an a capella ensemble, will perform a variety of swing band hits. Our proposed new members will be welcomed with refreshments and a special introductory meeting.
It is easy to see that it is time to get “In the Mood” for the uplifting and engaging opportunities our calendar has in store. So grab your dancing shoes and let’s meet at “Tuxedo Junction!”
All Aboard!
Amy Fleming |
