That Time of Year

Hello Funkstaceans,

It's that time of year again - the busy season of the Funkyman. I call this blog the "adventures" because the different things I'm involved in truly are. Here's what my life looks like:

January 24 - BEATLES CONCERT
Just finished what felt like a musical production - a 25-song tribute to the Beatles that you read about last week. It went very well, and now my only stress is trying to come up with something equally as successful for next year. But, that's a good problem. However, first I have to worry about . . .

February 1 - SCHUBERT MASS IN G
The Chamber Singers at the Dana Hall School will be performing the opening two movements from this famous work for chorus and orchestra. They will be getting their first experience singing with an orchestra, and I will get my first experience of just watching them perform without me. However, preparing them for this performance was good work and a lot of fun. Can't wait until Sunday - February 1 at 3:00 p.m. at Dana Hall School in Beveridge Hall. That following Saturday is

February 7 - CABARET
A large talent show for the 9th Grade Class, I have to arrange large choral versions of two popular songs - can't tell you - it's a secret! I also teach them two traditional songs from the musical CABARET. The entire class sings the group numbers to open and close the show and I accompany many of the soloists that perform in between. Talent show - now that's a good subject for a blog. More to come on that.

February 10 - VALENTINE TEA
An event presented by our Middle School students for Grandparents and other seniors. All Middle School ensembles perform including the 6th Grade Chorus and the 7th/8th Grade Chorus, both of which I direct. They are singing everything from Scarlatti to R. Kelly.

February 20 - GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT
Dana Hall Gospel Choir will be in concert on Friday, February 20 in Beveridge Hall at 7:00 p.m. featuring special guests Confirmation. The all-girls high school gospel choir is a minority in the world of Gospel music, but here we are. After that roof-raising experience I will be knee deep in . . .

February 23 - RAGTIME AUDITIONS
Auditions begin for the largest production Dana Hall has mounted to date. This will pretty much consume my life - auditions, arrangements, rehearsals, etc. In the middle of all of that fun will be . . .

April 4 - REJOICE! HIGH SCHOOL GOSPEL FEST
This is the 8th year we've done this: 7 High School Choirs coming together for a day of workshops and rehearsals and a free gospel concert to top it all off. This year the event will be at Beaver Country Day School. Concert at 7 p.m. For more info, click here.

April 17 - TUFTS GOSPEL CONCERT
Tufts Gospel Choir is 225 members this semester and sounding great so far. We are working hard toward the Spring Concert in April. Spring is a big choir concert time because the following week is . . .

April 24 - DANA HALL SPRING CHORAL CONCERT
All 5 Dana choirs will be in concert. Enough said.

May 16 & 17 - RAGTIME
Show goes up that weekend. I'm already looking forward to the summer months of "production-free" life.

But don't get me wrong. I am a very fortunate man to be able to work with great people and do what I love for the age group that shapes the future - 11 to 22.

Until next time, I am perpetually . . .

- Funkyman