Rally On The Red...Shreveport, LA

South Central Area Rally met in September 2010 in Shreveport, LA.  The theme for the rally was “Rally On The Red” because of Shreveport’s location on the Red River.  While the Maestros were small in number dedication and enthusiasm were high.    Choral member Cynthia Lee accepted the need for a choral-band director and saw to it that Maestro music was made.

As reported by Lenore Combs, “Cynthia also made us very proud as she sang the National Anthem at the evening entertainment for Patriotic Day.  She was accompanied by the Air National Guard “Band of the Gulf Coast”, Ceremonial Brass Quintet.  It was a glorious knock-out performance!”


Lenore continued, “Nathan Colter was pressed into service as our Sergeant At Arms.  He rallied the Flag Bearers, US Army, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force and US Coast Guard.”

The Maestro chapter walked away from Chapter Carnival with a $100 third place honor and a $25 incentive.

With good music, lots of dancing and the Mardi Gras parade the rally lives on in memories.

The South Central Frustrated Maestro chapter was chartered in October 1985 and has celebrated the 25^th Anniversary. 

Lifetime Membership in Sharps & Flats

A life time membership in Eastern Sharps and Flats was awarded to Jim-Bob and Shirley Ealy at the 2010 GEAR Rally in Winston-Salem. The award was presented by President David Ricketts.

Jim Bob has a long history of using his talents to direct Maestro choruses at GEAR and SEA as noted by David Ricketts.


Ricketts states, “ Jim Bob is always quick with a funny story and/or joke. The "Mississippi Squirrel" is just one of his specialties. You heard his recitation on the U.S. Flag and he has more of those patriotic narrations. I have never seen him use a written script. “


Rickets continued, “Jim Bob was elected Chaplain of the Sharps and Flats several years ago. He stated at our F/M dinner that he is now an ordained minister.”

Jim Bob has triumphed over two strokes. Bob and Mary Mack made it possible for Jim Bob and Shirley to be in Winston-Salem at GEER.

From Jim Bob Ealy

From Jim Bob Ealy

Finah in Carolina....

October 20-24, 2010 Nothin’ Could Be Finah than to be at the nineteenth GEAR Rally in Winston-Salem, NC this year.

Many Maestros were fresh from Music Camp in Galax, VA the preceding week. A few more joined the group in Winston-Salem at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds. New recruit Bruce Taylor could not stop with Music Camp and secured permission from his better half to dry camp with the Maestros for another week of music.



Yesterday Village, Dixie Classic Fairgrounds, Winston-Salem, NC



The opening rally performance was a late afternoon ice cream social.  Former chorus director Jim Bob Ealey and wife Mary delighted the crowd with his eloquent patriotic tribute.  

The Maestro chapter fair table entry left little doubt of the enthusiasm Maestros share for recruiting.  Wilma Ricketts, Nancy Reever and Kay Easton presented a very pretty display.  Unfortunately it did not catch the eye of the judges! 



Chapter Fair



                         







From Recently Updated

Morning Coffee Hour performances were Oct. 21-23…Thursday through Saturday. Director Charles Marston and President Dave Ricketts set the report time at 7:00 AM. Promptly downbeats fell at 7:30 AM. Folks gathered their donuts, coffee and morning papers to enjoy and linger for the morning Maestro Concert. Audience enthusiasm was large and appreciative. A first in GEAR history was a men’s chorus inspired by director Cynthia Lee. Guest conductor Sharon Jackson displayed many capabilities to produce music.

Maestros provided music for the Ladies Tea-Luncheon.  Listeners were treated to  flute by Cindy Peterson, Keyboard by Diane Berry, Bass by Sandy Martin, and drums by Linda Stark.  The pleasant sounds provided an appropriate background for the Red Hat affair.   

  Ladies Tea-Luncheon, Garden Center Building  

Tradition brought forth the Patriotic Tribute on the final morning.  In addition to the presentation of the service flags and the rising of audience members those present heard Jim Bob Ealey’s recitation on patriotism.  Emotions were stirred    From Collages

Everyone loves a parade.  When led by a marching Maestro Band decked in the traditional red and whites the tone of excitement was set.  “When the Saints Go Marching In” was the selected score as those marching paraded through the GEAR village and returned to the elevated gazebo.  From this perch the group played Sousa and invigorating tunes. 






And another thing…….Several business meetings were held to distribute chapter information.  A meal together followed one meeting.  




Frustrated Maestros are one of a kind with it comes to volunteerism.  GEAR Maestros arrived two days ahead for rehearsals before performances began on October 20, 2010.

The end of the rally came and Maestros were “back on the road again!”



Site of GEAR 2011







..."going places that I've never been...."









Music Camp 2010

Twenty three coaches arrived at Deer Creek RV Resort just past Galax, VA for Music Camp 2010.  The official down beat was October 12, 2010.  The majority of attendees will arrive in Winston-Salem, NC on Sunday, Oct. 17 for GEAR.  The group, directed by Charles Marston, read a lot of music during the time together.  Camp was hosted by the Eastern Sharps and Flats, David Ricketts, president. 

A spirited auction during Happy Hour augmented the treasury to fortissimo!

 

 A pizza super, compliments of Robert Sells owner of Deer Creek RV Resort, was a welcome time to eat together while visiting.

This is the fourth year for Music Camp.  It was begun to give Maestros more opportunity to play together.  Music Camp for 2011 will return to Deer Creek RV Resort, Galax, VA and is tentatively set for Oct. 11-16, 2011.  GEAR 2011 is tentatively set for Winston Salem, NC. The GEAR prerally will begin October 16, 2011.

No One Has More Fun than MAESTROS!

Pictures from the Frustrated Maestros pre-rally and the 84th International Convention in Redmond, Oregon have arrived.  The August 11-14, 2010 attendees were treated to the musical dedication of Frustrated Maestros!  Thanks to Art Lester for these pictures.

84th Convention--Redmond, OR

Redmond Rocks, and is likely still rocking, from the 84th International Convention in Redmond Oregon. The dates were August 11-14, 2010



Information comes from the Original Frustrated Maestro Chapter home based in southern California. This initial chapter was founded in 1981 by Bob Gobrecht, now deceased. He is described as a very special man.


The 25 member chorus was directed by Jay Blumenthal and Diane DuBois. The 15 member band was conducted by Gary Robinson.


The reports by those attending were very favorable over a great Maestro experience. Those attending the volunteer dinner and ice cream social were treated to Maestro entertainment.


Thanks to Monique Schrettner and Diane DuBois for relating this information.

From Collages

Jean Eckhardt remembered

On July 31, 2010 family, friends and Maestros gathered to remember Jean Echardt. The service was held at First Baptist Church in Indian Lake, NY.  Frustrated Maestro Jean was the wife of director Pete.  She is fondly remembered and missed by all.

July 5, 2010 NEAR Coffee, ends

"Happy Trails" ended the final Frustrated Maestro Performance at the Expo Center, Essex Junction, VT for NEAR.  A receptive audience and graceful dancers complimented the concert. 

We'll "Be Seening You"  ...."Down the Road Again."

From Essex J

Evening Splendid Maestro Jazz, July 4, 2010

Jazz, as only Frustrated Maestros can produce, welcomed rally attendees to evening entertainment, July 4, 2010.

July 4, 2010 Ice Cream Entertainment

While mounds of ice cream rose from bowls, Anne Gould and Jim Kitchings entertained the crowd.  At the chapter fair the Maestro chapter table displayed the benefits of belonging to the group.  Maestros DO have more fun!

July 4, 2010 Memorial Group Pictures

Frustrated Maestros gathered to honor former Maestros while at Essex Junction's Expo Center.

July 4, 2010 Coffee Hour

On day 3 of 4 Morning Coffee Hour Maestros presented the expected musical talent from the chorus, band, jazz and soloists.

2010 NEAR Military Salute

Veterans from Two Nations---One Family were saluted with the traditional musical military presentations of flags and service hymns.

July 4, 2010 NEAR

Opening Ceremonies, NEAR '10 were held in the Expo North building.  The Maestro Banner joined the chapter parade and Maestro Prez, Diane DuBois, beautifully sang the National Anthem.

July 3, 2010 NEAR

Maestro alarms sounded early for the traditional 7:30 - 9:00 AM Coffee Hour performance.  Dancers doing a polka, two step and waltz joined the Maestro Kale couple to celebrate a wedding anniversary. 

July 2, '10 NEAR Morning Coffee

Polished and ready to perform, Frustrated Maestros entertained at the first rally coffee hour.  Rally attendees could listen from  9:30 AM until 11:00 AM.

NEAR 2010 Essex Junction VT

Frustrated Maestros arrived in northern VT at Essex Junction's Expo Center for a pre-rally on June 28.

As usual the excitement of being together to make music propelled the FMs through 4 days of rehearsals.
Charles Marston accepted the baton this year.  It lifted all spirits to see Pete Echardt arrive for a few days.


Signs salute and direct!

The day concluded with the business of Yankie Doodle Dandy meeting and the business of a pizza supper.

Music Camp October 12-17, 2010

Music Camp 2010 will be at Deer Creek RV Resort near Galax VA. The arrival date is October 12 and the departure date is set for October 17, 2010. Eastern Area Sharps and Flats are hosting this camp.



Check out this facility at http://www.deercreekrvresort.com/index.html


Space is confirmed for 25-30 coaches at a cost of $28.00 per night. This includes tax. Early arrivals will receive the same rate.


Music Camp precedes GEAR to be held in Winston-Salem, NC. GEAR will be held at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds. Likely come in date for Frustrated Maestros will be October 17, 2010. GEAR dates are October 20-24, 2010.


PIcture from Music Camp, 2009, Chattanooga, TN.