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NEWSLETTER |
MAY 2008 |
Greetings to MIB members and friends. Even though it’s winter, musical events still happen and things are hotting up for MIB. Rather than being in recess, we are rarin’ to go. First, though, here’s what’s been going on in the Sherwood Community Centre, where we practise on Monday nights …
NEW CONDUCTOR
With Allan Hall taking a break for 2008, search parties were sent out to find a replacement conductor. Success was achieved and Nathan Aspinall has agreed to take up the baton. Studying music at UQ, Nathan has settled in quickly and has us all working hard.
NEW PLAYERS
We welcome several newcomers, who are quickly coming to grips with the intricacies of the mandolin. San-Joe Tan and Campbell Schmidt both play the violin too and one was overheard to say, ‘If only my violin had frets, learning it would have been so much easier.’ We also welcome Bride Moran, bass guitarist, and Jessma Nash, mandolin, to MIB.
MONDAY NIGHT PRACTICES
To cater for all levels of expertise, the format is now as follows.
7-7.30pm New techniques taught, problem solving for the less experienced.
7.30-8.45pm All players.
8.45-9pm Break for gossip.
9-10pm Advanced music for those who dare.
The two-hour lessons carried out last year are not currently available at Coopooroo or Sherwood. However private lessons can be arranged. Contact Anne Roubos Ph. 3324-1680
NEW ADDRESS
This now PO Box 701 Annerley, Qld 4103.
PAST EVENTS
In November eight players plus roadies (hangers-on) travelled to Chinchilla Christian School to take workshops. A concert was performed with the children playing along with MIB. There was a variety of other instruments - banjo, guitar, Irish whistle (tin whistle for those who aren’t posh). A good time was had by all and the burgeoning school instrumental programme was encouraged. MIB has been invited back again this year in August.
FUTURE PERFORMANCES
1. Fete de la Musique (BCC)
June 21st, free, Queen Street Mall, lunchtime. Many music groups will perform at various venues around the city. MIB will perform for 30 minutes.
2. Stitches Outside
June 29th, free, QPAC, outside the Lyrebird café, evening. There will be continuous entertainment with MIB playing several short brackets of quirky music.
3. MIB Concert
September 14th, Alexandra House, Coopooroo, 3pm. This will be a full MIB concert with all our members playing.
4. Australasian Mandolin Fest, 2009
In July next year, MIB will host the Federation of Australasian Mandolin Ensembles festival. Players will gather from July 5-12th, to commune, make friends and practise furiously, with a concert for the public on Sat. July 11th, 2009 at St John’s Cathedral, Ann Street.
It’s a bit early to mark it on your calendar, so this is just advance notice of delights to come.