FEBRUARY 16, 2007

Dear Parents & Musicians:

Hot on the heels of the Session II concert Sunday, let me extend a huge thank you to all of you for your hard work, your courage, your enthusiasm and your desire to share the music with so many eager ears.  It does get better and better.  Specifically as musicians and generally as people, we're learning to cope with obstacles, find the silver lining, make lemonade when reality gets in the way of our dreams.  Our session featured the music of Sun Studio, namely the songs of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lews -- kids and adults in the program leanred what it means to play "all the blues away" and discovered how to "check out the heart beatin' rhythm" when "feet are movin' smooth and light."

On February 26, we will begin Session III.  The focus this time is on the music of The Police, a band that rose to fame rapidly in the late 70's (the 1970's that is) under the management of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland.  The trio achieved almost instant success in the US with the release of their first album, Outlandos d'Amour, which included the track "Roxanne."  Throughout their career, the band cleverly meddled in various genres of music, most notably reggae, to achive their unique sound.  It should be another amazing history lesson for our new pioneers whose interpretation will surely yield something fresh and original.

All of our research into the catalogue of The Police will roll over naturally into Bird's collaboration with The American Conservatory Theatre beginning in March.  Fields of Gold, an original production created for students of ACT's Young Conservatory and Bird musicians will highlight the music and lyrics of Sting in a full-length dramatic play that will be staged at the Zeum Theatre.  Auditions for members of the band will take place on March 19, 2007.  Interested musicians in grades 8-12 please contact us to schedule an audition time.  The production premieres on June 1 and runs through June 17.

This spring we'll introduce a vocal program that will benefit our bands as well as our private students interested in exploring the voice as an instrument.  One band rehearsal per session will be dedicated to vocal training -- for both lead and back-up singers.  Clinics geared specifically to lead vocalists will be an optional offering.  Please check the schedule for both group and private instruction with our new teacher.

Also in the works for our more "seasoned" bands is an opportunity to rehearse and perform a set of material in a small concert setting.  Along with an appearance at the big session finale performance, qualified bands will promote and present their larger repertoire to family and friends.  Rehearsals will focus on developing not only more music but also a variety of styles and original compositions.

Post concert is a hotbed of activity at Bird.  New bands form, "old" bands get bigger, timid proclamations are acted upon.  We continue to welcome new faces -- folks that used to play, have never played, have been playing one instrument for years but want to try something new.  Big smiles all around.