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Hello Subscribers, It’s hard to believe that our current season is about to end. Our grand finale, The American Tenors (4/15, 3:00 p.m.), is just around the corner. For the past several months my attention, and the attention of our board, has been focused on our 2012-2013 series. Many of us be-lieve next year’s series will be our
most spectacular line up ever. Several of you have asked how we select and con-tract our artists. We choose our performers at least a concert season ahead, well before the current season even started. Let me explain the process we go through each year: Step 1 A few FLCCA board members travel to Nashville, TN, at their own expense, to meet with approxi-mately 300 delegates from other community con-cert associations. The event , sponsored by book-ing agent, Live On Stage (LOS), negotiates and books performers throughout the country. At this event we preview approximately 40 artists. Step 2 LOS sends representatives to FLCCA and shows DVDs of the acts who performed live in Nashville. This way all of the Board members are able to view a snippet of the acts. To get the artists at a good price, LOS tries to book them in neighboring towns. Thus, there is only a two or three week window of time in which FLCCA can schedule the artist. Step 3 FLCCA board members visit other venues and community concerts to preview performers. We review DVDs and websites to evaluate performers.
We talk with independent agents about their artists. Basically, we turn over every stone possible to discover excellent talent that we think our audience would enjoy. Step 4 We work closely with Dave Pier, Executive Director of Three Stages. Based on his 20 years of experience booking artists, he is a source of excellent advice about artist selections. Step 5 The FLCCA Board selects about 10 artists we think our subscribers will enjoy and rank our order of preference. Step 6 Now the fun work begins as we try to book five or six varied performances for the upcoming season. We work cooperatively with Three Stages to select weekend dates and then we negotiate a fair price for each artist. As a non-profit association, we’re scrupulous with our funds. We have a limited budget. Approximately 50% of our funds come from ticket sales, the rest from spon-sors and donors. Our costs include, but are not limited to, artist fees, Three Stages rental, advertising, program publishing and instrument rentals. Plus FLCCA budgets funds for our student and senior outreach programs and our new student musical instrument donation and refur-bishment program. Sometimes it feels like we’re working a Rubik’s Cube – trying to align dates at Three Stages; artist schedules and expenses. We attempt to space five performances over the fall, winter and spring and do our best to schedule Sunday performances. We spend a lot of time, energy and worry over each concert. We hope you continue to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Enjoy the concert!
~ Craig
From Our President
April 2012
Craig Burnett President
Volume II, Issue IV
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In Memory to Dennis Buder
He was the loving son of Harold and Beatrice Buder, brother of Deborah
Allen, and Daniel Buder. Father of Erika Buder.
Dennis was 48 years old and will be fondly
remembered by his family.
Bea has served on the FLCCA Board for many years. She has held positions as
President, VP Contracts, and Outreach Co-ordinator. Dennis’ daughter Erika, has also
grown up enjoying FLCCA concerts.
The FLCCA Board sends our deepest sympathy to the Buder family.
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GOOD NEWS — SOLD OUT!
Our subscription series for the 2012-2013 season is sold out and it was done in record time. Again you have sent us a clear message regarding the quality and value of our concerts. At one of our performances we asked for your feedback as to what type of entertainment you would like to see in the future. You spoke and we listened. You made a great decision by signing up for our outstanding sea-son. For those of you who relocated your seats this year let’s give a special thank you to Lisa Burrage, Three Stages Ticket Supervisor and her staff. A job well done. She was most impressed with how wonderful you were as she worked diligently to make it a successful venture. Kudos Lisa. We were happy that we were able to keep our prices the same as last year. Our thanks to you our subscribers not only for your subscriptions but as well for your individual donations which are greatly appreciated. We also would like to thank our sponsors and ask that you give them your support. We look forward to meeting and greeting our new subscribers and wel- coming back our loyal subscribers. With much thanks, Doreen and Steve Mykytyn VP’s Membership
KEEP GIVING US YOUR FEEDBACK — WE SINCERELY WANT IT.
OUR MISSION IS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH QUALITY CONCERTS AT THE MOST REASONABLE PRICES POSSIBLE. WITHOUT YOUR SUGGES-
TIONS AND OPINIONS, WE CAN ONLY GUESS AT WHAT SHOWS WOULD IN-TEREST YOU.
YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT ARE CORNERSTONES TO OUR SUCCESS.
PLEASE KEEP THE GREAT IDEAS COMING !!!
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The Four Freshmen — February 2012 By Rebecca Graulich
It’s one thing when FLCCA tells subscribers that a performance is outstanding and it’s an-other thing when a group is accompanied by members of its fan club. Such was the case with the Four Freshmen who performed at Three Stages on February 12. The group was originally formed in 1948 by, well, four freshmen. The group’s members have changed over the years but their sound has not (see article on next page). The current performers are Curtis Calderon (trumpet), Bob Ferreira (drums), Vince Johnson (bass) and Brian Eichenberger (guitar). The four have been together since Curtis joined the group 11 years ago. Brian was 19 when he joined the group, 15 years ago. When asked what attracted him to the group and why he’s stayed so long, he explained, “I al-ways liked these songs, they’re well written.” Brian, who played the guitar in high school as well as sang in his high school choir, believes it is important to ex-pose young people to music. “To be exposed to dif-ferent music is huge.” In addition to performing, Brian is also a songwriter. To learn more about his songs, go to www.iketown.com. Curtis echoed Brian’s emphasis on exposure to a wide range of music. “I just like music and playing it. The style doesn’t matter as much to me as the quality.” Jazz performers Louie Arm-strong and Ella Fitzgerald played a key role in his musical development. The group, who has performed internationally, all agreed that Japan is one of their favorite places to perform. Vince, who’s been with the group for over 11 years, noted that the Japa-nese are “fanatical about Western music. They’re very respectful of all types of music.” In Japan they’ve played in small and intimate venues that sat only 20 people and in a 20,000-seat hall. According to Curtis, they tend to attract a younger audience in Japan. “We feel like rock stars in Japan,” quipped Vince. Bob, who’s been a member of the Four Freshmen for 20 years observed that regardless of where they perform, it’s the memories that surround the show that are the most meaningful. One such memory was going out to dinner with FLCCA board members and subscribers after their performance at Three Stages. Each year the Four Freshmen have a convention for their many fans. In addition to their U.S. chapters, they have overseas chapters including Japan, Germany, Italy and other European countries. To learn more about their fan club and about this year’s conference in Reno, Octo-ber 4 – 6, go to www.fourfreshmansociety.com. .
The Four Freshmen left to right: Bob Ferreira, Brian Eichenberger,
Curtis Calderon and Vince Johnson
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Tom Chilton, a member of the FLCCA Board of Di-rectors, graduated from Purdue University in Janu-ary 1957. He joined the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity while at Purdue. In the spring of each year, Pi Kappa Phi, Triangle, and Alpha Gamma Rho frater-nities joined together to hold a spring dance called the TAP Dance. The Four Freshmen were well established for their unique brand of vocal harmony by that time, and
were a favorite of many of Pi Kappa Phi’s members. Someone sug-
gested that we try to book the Four Freshmen for the 1955 TAP Dance. Before we knew it, their agent had sent us a contract, and we booked them to play for our dance. I remember the
first thing they said when they arrived at the dance was “We don’t play for dances!” What do we do now? Af-ter
seeing how disappointed we all were they agreed to play for our dance. It was a huge success. After the dance, the Four Freshmen came back to our fraternity house. That is a night I will remember forever.
The Four Freshmen — May 1955 By Tom Chilton
Tom Chilton in the back row, third from the left (in the open shirt).
Marilyn Blaisdell and Tom Chilton at the TAP dance. They were married
the
The Four Freshmen relax at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house after the
1955 TAP dance
The Four Freshmen playing for the 1955 TAP dance at Purdue.
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Gunten Kerger (Roseville) “Very good. I like the trumpeter.”
LaRena Hannon (Sacramento) “They’re very exciting. They carry you back to the music you remember.”
Bette Mastro (GraniteBay) and Dodie Pockress (Carmichael): “I liked their har-mony when they were wrapped around
the mic.” “They’re fabulous!” Dixie Zanzi (Bay Area) “They’re fantastic! That’s it in a nutshell.
Feedback about the Four Freshmen
from some of our concert goers...
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FLCCA Donations
By Roberta Schmalz, 1st VP/Finance Officer
We appreciate the generous support you, our audience, have given us. Ten percent of our funds come from donors. These funds allow us to provide two outreach programs
each season and the $1,000 scholarship that was recently awarded to a talented young local musician. We are always thrilled to receive your checks as donations. Below are some ideas for other ways in which you might contribute to The Folsom Lake Commu-
nity Concert Association:
Donate appreciated property (including stock) that you have held for over a year.
Include FLCCA in your estate planning.
Name FLCCA as a beneficiary of your Donor Advised Fund.
If any of these ideas appeal to you, please consult your tax accountant and/or attorney about how the ideas above would impact you.
Not an FLCCA season subscriber but want to be?
We’ve started a new
subscriber waiting list for next season.
Contact Doreen or Steve Mykytyn
916-934-0869 or [email protected]
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Do you know how some of your sponsorship and donor dollars are spent? They go to our outreach programs. Several businesses support the FLCCA by buying advertisement in our concert programs. It’s a win-win for both of us: their sponsorship is seen by our 800+ subscribers in each of our five concerts programs and we receive funds that help pay for printing, advertising, and for our student and senior outreach programs. Donations also contribute to these expenses. FLCCA board members contribute to our association’s financial support too. FLCCA by-laws require that each FLCCA Board Member purchase a season subscription and make a generous donation to support the association. Between our board members donations and our many wonderful donors (listed in each of our programs), we have been able to expand our outreach effort. Each year the FLCCA brings a minimum of three outreach programs to students and sen-iors in assisted living facilities. Last month, the FLCCA sponsored a program at Theodore Judah Elementary School in Folsom. Over 120—4th and 5 th grade stu-dents, their principal Mr. Peterson, and their teachers enjoyed harpist, Judy Phil-lips. Judy Phillips, a Folsom resident, presented a wonderful mini-concert and master class. Mrs. Phillips explained that in medieval
times harpists were bards and vagabonds who traveled from village to village playing in town squares. They would share their oral history and pass along news from the other tribes. The students asked many questions and Mrs. Phillips was able to answer every one! The highlight of the morning was when Mrs. Phillips surprised all students by inviting
each of them to come up to strum her harps! Many of the students had not seen a harp before, much less been able to hear or strum one. (continued on next page)
Judy Phillips, harpists, with approximately 120 4th & 5th grade students at Folsom’s
Theodore Judah Elementary School
Bringing the Joy of Music to the Community By Dianne Burnett
Judy Phillips, harpist, playing one of three harps .
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The Joy of Music (cont.) This month FLCCA will be sponsoring two student Outreach Programs: On Monday, April 16th, the American Tenors will go to Vista del Lago High School in Fol-som for a mini-concert and master class for Ms. Elicia Spencer’s symphony orchestra students. On April 24th, Cello Sound, three professional cellists who play with the Folsom Sym-phony and Sacramento Philharmonic orchestra, will give a mini-concert/master class at Sutter Middle School in Folsom for Ms. Moon’s intermediate and advances band stu-dents. FLCCA is also kicking off a new initiative: to find musical instruments, have them refur-bished and donate them to music teachers. It is our goal that every student who wants to learn to play an instrument will be given or lent an instrument by their music teacher. The FLCCA will work hand and hand with mu-sic teachers in the surrounding school districts to help fill the needs of their students. We are hoping our subscribers will help us make this goal a reality by donating $1.00 at each concert to help fund this program. This is no small endeavor – but I’m happy to report we have lift off! Jim and Rosie Bjorn-sen (subscribers) have donated their son’s trumpet. We have our first instrument! Thank you Jim and Rosie, your donation will bring joy to a youngster very soon. If you have an instrument or know someone who does, and would consider donating it, please call Dianne Burnett at 916-988-3184. We will provide a donor a letter thanking you for the donation. Please contact your tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility of donations. Each penny of the $1.00 you give will go towards purchasing and refurbishing instru-ments! One musical instrument can change a child’s world for- ever
Judy Phillips, Harpist
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Allen & Allen LLP Another of Our Sponsors
Allen & Allen LLP is a Folsom CPA firm. It was established in 2002 by Noelle Allen, CPA and her son Mark Allen, Certified Financial Planner™ and Enrolled Agent. Servicing clients in Folsom, Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, Allen & Allen spe-cialize in income tax and insurance planning strategies for the individual and small business owner. Their clients include those who work in a broad range of fields including professional and trade services, real estate and other professions. Over the years Allen & Allen has helped clients save tax, finance their children’s education, plan and build savings for retirement, maximize social security benefits, and understand es-tate planning issues. Mark Allen and his wife Jennifer have been active members of the community since moving to El Dorado Hills in 2001. Mark has served on the board of the Shingle Springs/Cameron Park chamber of commerce, and is currently the treasurer of Cub Scout Pack 465. Both Jen-nifer and Mark belong to the El Dorado Hills Triathlon Club and can usually be found outside swimming, biking, or running. We at FLCCA appreciate Allen and Allen’s support for two years now, since they moved to Folsom.
The American Tenors
April 15, 2012, 3:00 p.m.
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Carrera Productions Presents…
FLCCA is proud to promote Carrera Productions’ Tab Benoit concert on Friday, May 25, 2012 at Three Stages at Folsom Lake College. Tickets may be purchased only at www.threestages.net. Tab Benoit is a unique and amazing blues guitarist, singer and song-writer. He’s also the #1 Cajun Louisiana music export. His Cajun-spiced vocals and electrifying performance will rock you in his first visit to this area in a long time. In addition, special guest Mumbo Gumbo will add their special musical stew to this exciting show!
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THANK YOU 2011—2012 SPONSORS! Because of our sponsors and donors, we are able to keep our ticket prices affordable, expand our outreach programs, and still host international talent. Please support those who support us.
Air Gas
Allen & Allen LLP, CPA Firm
Barretta Wealth Management
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
David Graulich, Esq.
Desmond, Nolan, Livaich, & Cunningham
Edward Jones
Folsom Auto Center
Folsom Lake Bank
Folsom Symphony
Folsom Tourism Bureau
Hanson McClain Financial Advisor
Karen’s Bakery Cafe
Kikkoman Foods
Lake Natoma Printing & Design
Manderes Restaurant
Mercy Hospital
Bob Mutchler Piano Service
Petals by Patrice
Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra
Sharif Jewelers
Shawn Claycomb Wealth Management
Sergio's Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Sons of the American Revolution
Wells Fargo Investment
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“Without music, life would be a
mistake.”
Friedrich Nietzche
Twilight of the Idols
1888
Please forward this newsletter to a friend. We welcome comments from current and future subscribers!
www.FLCCA.org
Executive Committee
Craig Burnett President
Don Thomas Executive VP
Roberta Schmalz
1st VP/Finance Officer
Mary Etta Hamzawi Secretary
Steve & Doreen Mykytyn
2nd VP Subscription
Margaretha Logus Treasurer
Bea Buder
VP Contracts
Donna Thomas VP Fund Development
Tom Chilton VP Publicity
Denny Wiemers
VP Venue
Sandra Burvant Immediate Past President
Board of Directors 2011 - 2012
FLCCA Directors
Dianne Burnett Outreach and Volunteer
Coordinator
Mike Burvant
Mary Lee Dunn Historian
Diane Ellis
Venue Assistant and Artist Hospitality
Yvonne Gordon
Lobby Coordinator
Dick Merz Founding Director and
Venue Host
Dennis Schmalz Web Master
Rebecca Graulich Newsletter Editor
Thank you to our FLCCA Volunteers
Bev Hendrickson
Sue Rauzy
Maureen Matousek
Audrey Samora
Dave & Sharon Burnett
Jane Caffale