Hello Everyone!

 

The countdown to our November concerts traditionally starts on Labor Day.  However, this year it has started already, bright and early – and quite exciting!  Here are some details.

 

 

                        
  Stacy Keach                                          Maureen Bunyan

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC, CONCERT, NOVEMBER 4, 2009 AT THE NATIONAL SHRINE.  We have some changes in our guest artists lineup.  Screen and Shakespearian Actor Stacy Keach will serve as Narrator.  Mr. Keach is well known for his many movie and TV roles.  Also, for his highly acclaimed recent stage roles as Richard Nixon in the play “Frost/Nixon”, and King Lear in a 2009 revival of Shakespeare’s great work.  Keach will replace Michael York who now has to be in Europe at the time of our concert.  York, however, will participate in our London concert in his country of birth, England.

 

Also, popular Washington, DC, News Anchor Maureen Bunyan of WJLA (ABC 7) will serve as cohost with Bill Kurtis.  Maureen replaces Cokie Roberts who unfortunately now has a conflict.  However Cokie, who is a great friend of our Group’s, asked that we convey to you her sincere regrets about missing the concert, and her hope to appear in one of our future programs.

 

AARP.  AARP has taken an interest in our DC Concert and will adopt the concert as a part of AARP’s highly acclaimed “Create the Good” Campaign (http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/volunteer/create_the_good/).  AARP is considering sending an email publicity blast to their Washington DC area members about the event.  They will also put us in touch with the DC chapters of AARP.  For this, we appreciate the role of Dr. Jake Lozada, distinguished member of both AARP’s and our own VA-NMMG’s Boards.

MALARIA NO MORE (www.malarianomore.org).    As you know, our DC and London concerts advocate for malaria eradication in Africa, in partnership with the international organization Malaria No More.  We will post a link to Malaria No More (www.malarianomore.org) on our website.  MNM will help publicize the concert on their website and also by email to their Washington, DC, mailing list. 

 

REPERTOIRE.  As I mentioned before, this concert is anticipated to be of high visibility in the Capital.  In light of our limited rehearsal time together, I have selected pieces that are proven “war horses”, but that also widely appeal to audiences.  London’s repertoire overlaps with DC’s.  Music will be emailed to you shortly.  In order to comply with copyright rules, we will have original music at the concert.  Please start practicing at home once you receive the music!

 

REPERTOIRE IN PERFORMANCE ORDER

Items 8-13 are a collage of only the themes of these pieces.

 

1.       National Anthem (Stafford-Smith) [Chorus and Orchestra]

2.       Sound of Music (Rogers and Hammerstein) [Chorus and Orchestra]

3.       Hands Across the Sea (Sousa) [Orchestra]

4.       Amazing Grace (arr. Althouse) [Chorus Acapella]

5.       Veterans Hymn (Wahby) [Chorus and Orchestra]

6.       Hymn to Joy (Beethoven arr. Henderson) [Chorus and Orchestra]

7.       Fifth Symphony -- First Movement (Beethoven) [Orchestra]

8.       Skaters Waltz (Waldteufel) (Melody theme only) [Orchestra]

9.       Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman (Offenbach) [Soloists and Orchestra] 

10.   Barinkay's Aria (Als Flotter Geist ) (Strauss) [Tenor Solo, Chorus and Orchestra]

11.   Tahiti Trot (Tea for Two) (Shostakovich arr. Youman) [Orchestra]

12.   Duet from Merry Widow (Lehar) [Duet and Orchestra]

13.   Beautiful Blue Danube (Strauss) (Finale) [Orchestra]

14.   God Who Gave Us Life (Jefferson/Thompson) [Chorus and Orchestra]

15.   Lift Every Voice and Sing (Johnson & Johnson) [Chorus and Orchestra]

16.   Yankee Doodle Medley (Cohan arr. Lawrence) [Orchestra]

17.   Hava Nagila (arr. Beckhard) [Chorus and Orchestra]

18.   Bilady (Darwish, arr. W. Wahby) [Chorus and Orchestra]

19.   1812 Overture (Finale) (Tchaikovsky) [Orchestra]

20.   Battle Hymn of the Republic (arr Wilhousky) [Chorus and Orchestra]

21.   Armed Forces Medley (arr. DoD) [Chorus and Orchestra]

22.   Grand Old Flag (Cohan arr. Besig) [Chorus and Orchestra]

23.   Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa) [Orchestra with Audience Sing Along]

24.   Let There Be Peace on Earth (arr. Ades) [Chorus and Orchestra]

 

NOVEMBER WASHINGTON HOTEL.  It is the Sheraton Crystal City, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202, Tel: 703-486-1111.  Our group rate is $159 per room per night single or double occupancy.  Call 1-888-627-8209 for reservations.  Identify yourself with the VA-National Medical Musical Group to get our special rate. You may also make your reservation online at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/VANMM.  Scroll down and click on the blue box “Reserve” to make a reservation.  Our price is good from Friday, October 30 through Friday, November 6.  Rehearsals start Saturday afternoon, October 31.  The hotel has a free shuttle from Reagan National Airport.  Reservations cut off date is September 30, 2009, or whenever our assigned block of rooms are taken.  This may happen soon, so I encourage you to make your reservation now.  Their regular price is much higher!  Remember that you must be duly registered as a VA-NMMG member for 2009 in order to qualify for our rate at the hotel.

 

DC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE.
Saturday, October 31. 2:00 – 5:00; 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the Sheraton Crystal City, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202, Tel: 703-486-1111. 

Sunday, November 1. 2:00 - 5:00 pm and 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the Sheraton.

Monday, November 2. 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the Sheraton.

 

Tuesday, November 3. 7:00 pm. Dress Rehearsal (casual dress) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, DC, 202-526-8300, www.nationalshrine.com.  Free parking at the Basilica, or you may use our group bus transportation from the Sheraton departing at 5:30 pm (cost below).   If you wish to use Metro transportation, the Basilica stop is Brookland-Catholic University on the Red line.

 

Wednesday, November 4. 6:30 pm PRECONCERT, and 7:30 pm CONCERT at the National Shrine.  Buses depart the hotel 5:00 pm.  Bus charge: $20 – it is subsidized by VA-NMMG.  This charge covers both roundtrips on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bus tickets will be available for purchase at our MMG registration table at the Sheraton Crystal City.

 

BINDERS - Chorus and Orchestra.  Bring your own 3-ring BLACK binder.

STANDS.  Orchestra:  Bring your music stands for the rehearsals.

DRESS CODE (CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA, USHERS). Men: Black suit or tuxedo and BLACK bow tie.  Women: Long sleeved black blouse and long black skirt, slacks, or long black dress, and white (faux) pearl necklace.  In addition, we will wear red, white and blue lapel ribbons.  If you have a ribbon from past concerts please bring it along, however, we will provide in DC if you don't have one.

PRECONCERT.  Would those of you who wish to perform items at the Preconcert please send me the titles, duration and any specific requirements.  Those who already proposed items, please confirm, in order to make sure we don’t miss anyone.  Please understand that there are numerous factors that determine the Preconcert program.   I will notify you re the selections by September 20.

 

SMALL ENSEMBLES IN DC.  As in past years, we want to send a couple of vocal and instrumental ensembles to perform at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospitals, the VA Medical Center, and the Soldiers Home while the Group is in Washington, DC.  The small ensembles will rehearse Sunday (November 1) and Monday (November 2) mornings, and perform Tuesday morning, November 3.  Transportation to the performance at the military venues will be provided at no cost.  Any vocalists and wind musicians are welcome to participate!  This is a very gratifying exercise as the ensembles would cheer up our wounded warriors.  There will be no small ensembles on the concert day itself – we want you to be rested and well hydrated.  If you want to participate, please send a note to:

·         Rick Whittenberger (RickWhittenberger@yahoo.com):  for the INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE.

·         Karen Wright (kbw_sing@yahoo.com): for the VOCAL ENSEMBLE.

·         Wayne McBride (mcbride@columbus.rr.com): OVERALL COORDINATOR.  Please copy Wayne on your messages to either Karen or Rick.

 

Hail Britannia 2009.  Final Hail Britannia 2009 payment’s due date was September 1.  We still can accept travelers for some time but cannot guarantee our group airfare.

 

We keep gaining travelers and are now up to 75 – Chorus: 35, Orchestra: 14, Companions: 26.  We are hopeful that still more travelers will join us and I again encourage you, if you have not signed up yet, to reconsider – with the idea of traveling!  The London Concert is shaping up to be spectacular.  Several London choirs and orchestras will collaborate with us.  Our London Massed Chorus in now over 250 singers and the Orchestra about 70.  For those of you who may have been reluctant, shake off that dust of indecision!!  Life is too short to miss out on this one!  The planets may never again be aligned so right for a London visit.  This, really is the year to travel!   

 

Tour details and Trip Registration Forms are on our website www.medicalmusical.org, click on “Hail Britannia”.  Remember that you must be a duly registered 2009 member in order to qualify for the trip. To register on line, go to www.medicalmusical.org, click on “Join”.  Also remember to claim your reward of a free Optional Excursion, except for the Thames River Dinner Cruise, if you register a new traveler on the trip.  For questions, call our office at 202-797-0700, or email vanmmg@hotmail.com.

 

“LONDON BY NIGHT” PHOTOS.  Melodee Mercer (Soprano, award-winning TV Producer and Host) shared this website that has truly spectacular nighttime aerial photos of London.  Click on: London from above, at night - The Big Picture - Boston.com.  Enjoy viewing it!  Thank you Melodee!

 

CONCERT TICKETS .  This year is the 19^th year in a row of our National Veterans concerts that started in 1990.  The DC and London concerts represent high watermarks in lo all these programs.  We are hopeful, but uncertain, that President Obama may attend the DC performance. 

Each of our travelers will be admitted freely to the London concert.  In addition, they will have an additional free ticket.  As you may know, the DC concert is general free admission since the National Shrine rules prohibit ticket sales. 

 

FUNDRAISING.  Although our chorus and orchestra members, as well as office workers are volunteers, the expenses of staging, lighting, sound, video and audiotaping, as well as air time for broadcasts (other than PBS), are quite high.  We are fortunate to have an active and aggressive fundraising committee that is working diligently on raising funds for the concerts.  It includes: Craig Duehring (former Asst. Secretary of the Air Force); Jake Lozada (former Asst. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and AARP Board Member); Leo Mackay (Vice President of Lockheed Martin and former Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs); Omega Silva, MD, MACP (distinguished leader in the American College of Physicians), and Artemis Simopoulos, MD (President, Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, and former Head of the Nutrition Study Section of the NIH).  I tip my hat to them and express heartfelt appreciation for their hard work.  Economic times are hard and even our usual sponsors amongst the Veterans Organizations are having difficulties.  However, I am completely confident that our Committee will succeed in this noble effort. 

 

ORCHESTRA MANAGEMENT.  I would like to welcome Kent Wellman (Tuba) to our volunteer ranks assisting with Orchestra Management.  Many thanks Kent for taking this on! 

 

PROGRAM BROCHURE ADS – A “WORK FROM HOME” OPPORTUNITY.  We are looking for more ways to raise some funds to help cover the Washington concert costs in November.  A sphere worth exploring is for us to offer ad space in our concert program brochure.  Bill Brewer and his committee did that quite successfully during our Oklahoma City concert in 2006.  We now have the phone numbers and email addresses of many merchants in the DC metropolitan area.  We are looking for someone(s) to make calls to these merchants and “sell” the ad space.  Of course, this can be done from home. 

If you know of someone who is interested in this venture, and who has “persuasive telephone manners”, please connect them with Elizabeth Nunan at 202-797-0700, email: vanmmg@hotmail.com.  The individual does not need to be residing in the Washington, DC, area, but it would help if they subscribe to one of those flat-rate long-distance telephone services.  Most merchants are in the (202), (301) or (703) area codes.  As an incentive, there is a financial remuneration of a percentage of the income generated.   

 

2009 REGISTRATIONS.  If you haven’t done it yet, please register for the 2009 season!  Registrations are good for one calendar year, and you must be duly registered in order to participate in the concerts, hotels, trips, etc.  Also, try to send in a donation if you can.  We surely need it this year!  Donations are tax deductible – see below. 

 

DONATIONS.  This may sound like a broken record, but I would encourage all to continue to be as generous as you can – and have been – in contributing to our Medical Musical Group, over and above the Registration fee.  Thank you all who made contributions!  We will publish these on our Honor Roll.  See the updated donation categories on the Registration Form.  For registrations using a credit card, go to our secure site www.medicalmusical.org, click on “Join” and “Donate”.  You may also print the form posted on the website and mail it with your check to VA-NMMG, Attn: Robert Wisleder, 45 Kimball Beach Road, Hingham, MA 02043-1145.  As you know, VA-NMMG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, organizationally separate from and independent of the VA or any other agencies.  Historically, we started within the VA.  However, we subsequently quickly grew and, although we cut the organizational umbilical cord with the VA, maintained a very friendly relationship with it.  And, of course, we all share a deep and abiding concern for America’s veterans.  

 

PERSONALIA.

 

1.       Kurt Klotz (Principal French Horn and Webmaster).  Kurt was recently elected President of the Tampa Bay Symphony Orchestra, Tampa Bay, FL.  TBSO is a premier quality orchestra that has been a friend of ours for quite a long time.  In addition to Kurt, several other TBSO members played with us over the years and we appreciated that very much.  I am reminded of TBSO founder Steve Harwood, MD (Bassoon), Lisa Adamich (French Horn), Darkes Hauck (Violin), and Dale Hutchinson (Percussion).  Also, Bill Naylor, TBSO Producer and husband of Joan Naylor (distinguished Timpani player) has produced many of our major concerts at home and abroad.  Congratulations President Kurt!  You never cease to amaze us all with the versatility of your talents on line as well as off line.   Kurt’s email is kklotz@yahoo.com.

2.       Joe Car, MD (Associate Conductor, Percussion, Trumpet, and more).  Joe has been appointed for another year as Associate Conductor of the Bloomington, Indiana, Community Band. The Bloomington Community Band is an all-adult volunteer concert band with membership ranging from 40 to 60 in number, and 18 to 84 years in age. A Bloomington community band has existed since the 19th century. The current incarnation formally began in 1978 with sponsorship from the Bloomington JayCees, and a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.  They play an average of 20 concerts per year at many civic events and public gatherings in Monroe County and the surrounding communities. They frequently perform at state parks and at retirement communities in the Bloomington area. Joe’s wife, Pat, volunteers in several ways to assist our Group too.  Congratulation’s Joe!  We all, and I in particular, recognize your fabulous talent and gifts.  Joe’s email is jrc47460@bluemarble.net.  

 

3.       Karen Wright, RN (Chorusmaster).  Karen was recently a busy bee with her son who was married on August 15, 2009, in Santa Monica, California.  Congratulations Karen; we wish the newlyweds every happiness! Karen’s email is kbw_sing@yahoo.com. 

4.       Margrit Krewson (Companion and wife of Charles Krewson, Bass and former Treasurer).  Margrit is organizing an outstanding exhibition in New York, that starts this month.  It is “In Pursuit of Knowledge”, featuring the treasures of the Leipzig, Germany, University Library in commemoration of that University’s 600^th anniversary.  Margrit was formerly responsible for the German and Dutch collections at the Library of Congress.  In 2006, she went to Leipzig with the suggestion that the riches of Leipzig University Library be shown in the United States.  Margrit’s initiative and drive proved decisive in realizing this venture.  In addition to suggesting the title for the American exhibition, she provided the contacts with Grolier Club, one of the most prestigious venues in New York, and enlisted many supporters without whom the exhibition would not have been possible.  Best wishes Margrit for the success of the Leipzig Exhibition!  You continue to enrich the lives of many by your numerous and unique contributions.  It is a pleasure to have you and Chuck in the group.  Margrit’s fax is 202-333-7255. 

5.       Judith (Alto) and John Roach (Companion).  Are new distinguished members. For many years Judith worked (with Margrit Krewson) at the Library of Congress as the British Isles and Irish Genealogy Reference Officer, and served as the genealogical book reviewer for Library Journal.  Judith retired in 2007, however, she continues to be a much sought-after presenter and author.  Among her publications are Genealogical Research in England’s Public Record Office: A Guide for North Americans (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2^nd ed. 2000, co-authored with Simon Fowler) and Family Ties in England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland: Sources for Genealogical Research (Washington: Library of Congress, 1998). Judith received many awards, such as the 1994 Fulbright Research Librarian Fellowship at the Public Record Office in London (1994), the British Council’s Librarians’ Study Tour to Northern Ireland (1997), and the American Library Association’s top honor for genealogy (1998).

John is a retired US Navy Captain after 34 years.  He was the first Combat Artist in the Vietnam War; most famous picture is of the USS Arizona at the Visitors' Center at Pearl Harbor.  The mural was too large for a studio so the Navy set John up in the Navy Memorial Museum at the Washington Navy Yard and he became an exhibition himself as visitors watched him paint the 52' long by 16 1/2' high mural.  Later assignments were in Operation Desert Storm and Bosnia.  John’s pictures are at the Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard.  He is also a charter member of the American Society of Marine Artists.  For many years he served as a Public Affairs officer for the Office of Naval Intelligence.  In 1996 the USS Constitution Museum awarded him the Samuel Eliot Morison Award in recognition of his many contributions to preserving naval heritage.  For more than three decades John has maintained his Art and Design business.

We welcome Judith and John to our membership and feel very privileged to have them in our fold.  We also thank Charles and Margrit Krewson for inviting them to the Group.  John and Judith’s email is j_roach@comcast.net.  

6.       Marliese Haemmerle, DMD (Soprano).  Marliese sent an interesting article about Italy that brings back fond memories of our Italy trip “Mia Italia 2007”.  It reports that archaeologists have unearthed a sprawling country villa believed to be the birthplace of Vespasian, the Roman emperor who built the Colosseum.  The 150,000-square-foot complex was at the center of an ancient village called Falacrine, Vespasian's hometown.  See http://news.aol.com/article/birthplace-of-roman-emperor-vespasian/607781.  Thanks Marliese for sharing this story and conjuring up beautiful memories of Mia Italia.  I hope that we will have as good a trip in Britain as we had in Italy.  Marliese’s email is MHaemmerle@aol.com.   

7.       Bill Brewer, DDS (Bass).  Bill has retired from his dental practice and started a Voice Over business, putting his glorious and booming baritone voice to good use.  Bill has his own home studio so he can send MP3's anywhere in the world, so keep him in mind.  Best wishes Bill for the new venture!  Bill’s website is www.billbrewersvoice.com.  

 

Our Group’s extended family has recently lost two dear friends.

8.       Velma Clark from Jena, LA, passed away on July 19, 2009. She was a member of the VA-NMMG and participated in the Russia, France, Italy, and China trips. She sang in the choir and helped organize the France trip. She was 76 and passed suddenly from a heart attack. Velma was very proud of her association with the VA-NMMG and the trips she went on. We send our heartfelt condolences to Velma’s daughter-in-law Sandra Clark (email: sandrafaler@yahoo.com).

9.       Dave Law, MD, MACP.   David was a great friend of VA-NMMG’s and me personally.  He also was a revered mentor to me and to many other physicians at the Veterans Health Administration, and also in the American College of Physicians.  He was an energetic 82 years young when he passed on last month.

Dave Law, MD

Here’s a portion of the memorial tribute prepared for Dave’s funeral. “Dr. Law was a long time, cherished friend of the VA-National Medical Musical Group (MMG) since its inception in 1990.  That first year, Dr. Law sang in the baritone section of MMG’s chorus at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.  He persuaded other VA leaders to join the chorale, including then VHA’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. James Holsinger.  Dr. Law continued his contact with MMG over the ensuing years. In 1999, he provided valuable advice to MMG’s Dr. Victor Wahby in writing the first-ever anthem dedicated to American veterans.  The “Veterans Hymn” went on to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s and several other awards, and became a popular staple in Veterans Day concerts.  Most recently Dr. Law helped MMG launch its “Healing for the Nations” Concert Series, and co-hosted its first one in May 2008 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC (photo above, more at www.medicalmusical.org).  Dr. Law is sorely missed, but very fondly remembered by the many friends he made amongst MMG’s membership that spans more than 40 states of the Union.”  I add my personal sense of loss and also my heartfelt condolences to Cassie, Dave’s daughter.  Cassie’s email is Cassandra.Law@va.gov.

 

Looking forward to seeing many of you in DC and also in London soon! 

Regards to all.