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From the President
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Greetings members and friends of DCDD,
Just a few thoughts as we head into our Holiday Concert
First of all, kudos to our wonderful AAD staff, Beth Smith and Chris Raitzyk who have forged ahead with what looks to be a terrific Holiday concert! For those not playing this concert we could use your help either at the door or with production, so please let me know if you want to volunteer.
Next: I want to remind everyone of a few changes coming your way with the band calendar in 2007. The first change will be that Symphonic band does not start up until the first Monday of February. This is because our whole Spring schedule is being pushed back to coordinate with the GMCW concert at the Kennedy Center. This is more exciting than I have words to describe!
With that in mind our January Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 21st along with our yearly awards banquet. There are no big business issues this year so there will just be the usual, business items, and election of officers and board members. This shouldn't take too long and we will segue right into the fun of our banquet. Start planning now!
About elections... There are two at-large positions opening up, which is a great place to start if you haven't been on our board before.
All of the officer positions are open. I have been honored and happy to serve as DCDD President these past two years, but I do not plan to run for re-election. I will be retiring to the Past President position on the Board.
At this time our terrific VP David McBee has shown an interest in running for President and Keith Glaeske and Wayne Warwick are both planning to run for re-election for the offices of Secretary and Treasury respectively. But all positions are open!
Any band members who are interested in serving on the board as an officer or at-large member should contact me. Also, if you think someone in the band would be a good candidate for the Board, encourage her/him to run.
We have an exciting year ahead of us
- Song and Dance in May
- Kennedy Center with the Gay Men's Chorus in June
- DC Pride Parade in June & July 4th Parade
- Halloween Concert
- Quilt Panels - December 1st
- Holiday Concert
- and other events!!!
Musically yours!
Stan
Stan Goff
President,
DC's Different Drummers
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Musing DCDD
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by - David Harper,
Percussion Section Leader
This past Looney Tunes & Fairy Tales Concert, we had strong performances with magical and bonding moments as an ensemble.
By creating a mythical mood with de Meij's Lord of the Rings Symphony, or musical images on Sparke's childhood ride, or even setting the stage for Wicked reflections, perhaps we as an ensemble, and individuals, embraced some change or growth.
The power of music is very strong, but we are the choir of that long preached message. Musical experiences we create and share during performances are only the highlight of performing with an ensemble such as ours.
From our experiences with DCDD and those in other settings, we know making music has the ability to affect us individually and as an ensemble. Not just from technique or skills perspective, but also on an emotional level.
Music can foster growth and development, social bonding, or even healing and change. During the last pre-concert warm-up, Scott commented on this season's experience of making music together. When reflecting on the lyrics for Wicked's "For Good" there were lighthearted "oohs & aahs" as we heard
...who can say if I've been changed for the better, but, because I knew you, I have been changed for good...
There is truth and meaning in those words.
(continued next column)
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2005 DCDD Award Winners
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- President's Award - Keith Glaeske
- Tommy Menehan Award - Wayne Warwick
Most improved musician
- Outstanding Musician - Eric San Juan
- Outstanding Section Leader - David Harper
- Michael Rutherford Award - Matt Swearman
Honoring the Spirit of our founder
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Winter Dreams
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A fun-filled Holiday Concert, played with zip, humor and a little fairy dust.
Featured in the concert is the haunting Celtic Christmas arranged by James Hobray, and the dream-like Prayer from the opera Hansel and Gretel. With some apologies to Tchaikovsky - we think you'll delight in the Dance of the Slippery Slide Trombones and you can join the entire Capitol Pride Symphonic Band on a fabulous Sleighride
The first half of the concert will feature DC Swing! as they put their own swing style on a number of Holiday favorites!
The concert will be at 8:00 p.m., December 16 at the Reformation Lutheran Church 212 East Capitol Street, NE.
Ticket prices are $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door. Senior Citizen and Student tickets are available at the door for $10.00
Tickets are also available at Lambda Rising Bookstore at 1625 Connecticut Avenue, NW
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Michael Rutherford Award
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Each year members of DCDD are recognized with various awards. Some are acknowledged for their musical abilities. Others are recognized for the tremendous help the provide to the Artistic Staff or to the Board.
Only one award is voted on by the DCDD membership - the Michael Rutherford Award. This award is to recognize a band member who reflects the spirit of the founder of DCDD.
According to Michael's surviving partner Terry - Michael's Tuba and the band always came first. Michael was inspired to create a band and put out the word and attracted some amazing people to join together and form our band!
Michael didn't do this alone - but his enthusiasm was the spark that started DCDD. This award recognizes that over the years others have shared that enthusiasm for DCDD and have inspired others to make DCDD a great band and an extended family.
The recipient of the Michael Rutherford award for 2005 is Matt Swearman. Matt is now accepting nominations for the 2006 Michael Rutherford Award and would like them by Monday, December 11.
Matt shows some of that award-winning enthusiasm with Chad and Misha on the New Hampshire trip!
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Musing DCDD - cont'd
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It is fair to guess most of us have noticed some positive change in our lives because of our shared musical experiences. Perhaps it is because of personal insights or reflections similar to the pre-concert bonding, support from each other during personal times of change or transition, or even a friendly and welcoming smile shared with new members and old friends. We make a difference for each other.
I am reminded at each rehearsal and performance of music's power to break down walls and build common bonds. Through music and friendships, our strengths and weaknesses, right and wrong pitches/rhythms, or even the best and stressed attempts, we have changed... we have grown. Not only from our beginnings over 25 years ago, but also from each concert season, parade, and gig .. we have changed for the better.
Our charge should be to continue to grow and to share the passion (OK .. flame...) and power of music with each other, our community, and within ourselves.
David Harper has been with DCDD since the 2004 holiday season. He is a board-certified music therapist and a licensed social worker. For more information on the professions of social work or music therapy visit; www.naswdc.org & www.musictherapy.org
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