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.