Greetings All!

As the Summer hands over its watch to the Fall, we get closer to our concert season.  As I told you previously, we anticipate “mega” events in this our 20^th Anniversary year.  I also would like to say that the “ Memory Lane ” section is returning “by popular demand” in my upcoming Newsletter in a couple of weeks.  I would like to ask those of you who were with us through the years to share your favorite “Kodak Moments” and memories of the Group.  I can’t promise that we’ll share everything we receive, but I know we will all enjoy the experience.  This will probably be even more so for our new members as they learn the history of this living and breathing organism that they have just joined.  Please send your favorite memory to me and include its date in the email title. 

DC CONCERT.  You may not have heard much from us during the hot summer months; however, our Concert Committee has been hard at work!  Here are highlights.

The concert will signal an unprecedented collaboration between us and two major organizations:  The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).  AARP, through its “Create the Good” program, will invite its vast membership to “Adopt a Warrior” (or Veteran).  Members will be encouraged to send cards and donations to a website.  They will use our Veterans Day Concert as the kick off event for that campaign. 

We are excited about this collaboration and its potential of providing assistance to our veterans and wounded warriors.  Details are being worked out and I’ll share them with you as they emerge.  Incidentally, AARP and the WWP will help publicize our concert to their respective memberships.

Ron Masak

Anna Escobeda Cabral

Maureen Bunyan

Robert Torti

GUEST NARRATORS.  Featured guest Narrators have signed up to participate in the DC concert.  These include Actors Ron Masak best known for his role in “Murder She Wrote”, and Robert Torti from “Godspell” and “Walking With Dinosaurs”.  Maureen Bunyan, Washington DC News Anchor

from WJLA-7 will join us again.   An AARP Brand Ambassador, Anna Escobedo Cabral, former US Treasurer, will also narrate.  Ms. Escobedo Cabral has an inspirational personal story and is a dynamic speaker.  We also have a number of local choruses and orchestras joining us.

Lucas Hoge.  For the first time, we will have a Country Singer as a guest performer.  We are privileged to have Lucas Hoge, a “hot” country singer who wrote “Medal of Honor” and is on the TV show “Last Chance Highway ”.  Mr. Hoge will provide his own musical accompaniment.

DC NOVEMBER 2010 REPERTOIRE IN PERFORMANCE ORDER

Music will be mailed this month.  If you have questions, please email:

Chorus: Helen Camper, Email: clovemusic@aol.com

Orchestra: Kent Wellman, Email: tubatunes53@gmail.com  

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. 

DC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE.
Saturday, November 6 : 2:00 – 5:00; 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the Hilton Crystal City , 2399 Jefferson Davis Highway , Arlington , VA 22202 , Tel: 703-418-6800. 

Sunday, November 7: 2:00 - 5:00 pm and 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the Hilton Crystal City .

Monday, November 8: Town Hall Meeting 5:30 pm .  Rehearsal 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the Hilton Crystal City .  

Tuesday, November 9: 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 Hilton departing at 5:30 pm ($25 charge, see below). If you wish to use Metro transportation, the Basilica stop is Brookland-Catholic University on the Red line.  

Wednesday, November 10: 6:30 pm PRECONCERT, and 7:30 pm CONCERT at the National Shrine.  Buses depart the Hilton 5:00 pm . 

BUSES. This year we will have one bus only for service between the Hilton Crystal City and the National Shrine, limited to 55 seats, first come first served. Cost of bus tickets for two round trips will be the same as last year – $25.  They may be purchased in advance (and picked up at registration table) by sending a check of $25 to VA-NMMG, Attn: Robert Wisleder, 45 Kimball Beach Road , Hingham , MA 02043-1145 marked Bus Ticket(s).  For questions please contact vanmmg@hotmail.com.   

PRECONCERT.  Would those of you who wish to perform items at the Preconcert please send me the titles, duration and any specific requirements.  As you know, there are numerous factors that determine the Preconcert program.   I will notify you re the selections by September 20.  Thanks to those who already sent me items! 

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 7) and Monday (November 8) mornings, and perform Tuesday morning, November 9.  Transportation to the performance at these venues will be provided at no cost.  Vocalists and instrumentalists are welcome to participate.  This is a very gratifying experience as the ensembles cheer up our wounded warriors and veterans.  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. 

WASHINGTON HOTEL (HILTON) IN NOVEMBER.  Reservations deadline is October 6 but the rooms fly fast – so make your reservation soon!  We have had some members request roommates for our Washington , DC , concert.  If you would like a hotel roommate, please contact Elizabeth Nunan at vanmmg@hotmail.com.  As a reminder, our hotel is the Hilton Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington , VA.  Our rate is $126/room double occupancy plus tax.  The Hilton offers a complimentary shuttle from Reagan National Airport .  For reservations: Call 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) and identify yourself as a member of VA-National Medical Musical Group.  Make sure you complete your VA-NMMG registration first!  For online reservations: www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/DCANAHF-MMG-20101105/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG, use MMG as Group/Convention Code.  Our rate applies November 5 through 12, 2010. 

“Vive la France 2010!”.  We currently have 56 travelers registered for “Vive la France 2010!”, and hope that many more of you will still decide to travel.  I know that times are tough, however, such a multifaceted and unique opportunity to visit the City of Lights may not present itself again.  So, don’t give up on this magnificent trip!  If you are on the fence, please “Entrez”!   

VIDEOS. The full length DVD of our 2009 Veterans Day Concert is available for $15 plus $5 shipping (for up to 3 DVDs).  You may order on-line at www.medicalmusical.org, click on “Order DVD”.  Also, remember that you can still watch our 1-hour CNBC broadcast on http://medicalmusical.com/restricted-healing.htm for a limited time. 

PHOTOS.  Photos from our French Embassy Event of May 28, 2010, are on www.medicalmusical.org, click on “Photos”. 

VOLUNTEERS.  For those of you who live in the DC area, we need some volunteers to help deliver publicity material to the DC area military bases and hospitals. Please contact Elizabeth at vanmmg@hotmail.com.   

WHAT’S IN A NAME?  A musical group by any other name is still a musical group.  When we launched the Group in 1990, our intent for the use of the hyphenated name “VA-National Medical Musical Group”, was to signify the 2 main tributaries that unite to form our stream of membership.  These are: The VA Healthcare – and the National Medical Care communities.  Soon thereafter, we incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization, separate from the VA or any other organizations or agencies.  However, more often than not, people still erroneously referred to us as “the VA Group”, or “VA’s National Group” – both are incorrect.  The truth, however, is that although we started within the VA many years ago, and continue to maintain warm relations with it, we remain organizationally completely separate and independent from it and from any other agencies.  Over the years, this has surfaced as a point of discussion.  On the one hand, the VA as an agency has at times felt as if we were representing the Group as a part of that Government agency.  This, in spite of the fact that we placed a permanent disclaimer about that on our letterhead.  On the other hand, some corporate donors withheld financial support from our fundraising committees, because they erroneously thought that we were funded by taxpayer dollars. 

The overarching sentiment, however, is that we have always maintained a deep and abiding concern for America ’s veterans and its servicemembers.  So, what is a Board to do?? 

Eventually, it became evident that we must drop “VA” from our name.  The challenge was how to signify and emphasize our unwavering commitment to and caring for veterans. 

Well, I believe our Board found the perfect solution.  It unanimously voted that we would add the subtitle “Dedicated to America ’s Veterans”, to our name, which would become, more accurately, the “Medical Musical Group Chorale and Symphony Orchestra”.

I know that some of you will like, while others won’t, this new name.  However, I invite you all to give it thought with an open mind.  An additional factor to consider is that, with our growth and expansion, the “non-VA” members constitute a substantially larger proportion of our membership compared to the early years. 

As for the Medical in the “Medical Musical”, we always welcome into the fold folks who are health professionals, as well as family and friends.  We used to say “You have to be a doctor to play”.  Now we say “you have to have seen a doctor to play!”  So, all are welcome!

PERSONALIA.

1.       Jim Curlin (Tenor and head of the Curlin “Singing Family”).  You may recall them from a previous concert, some of you labeled them “the American Von Trapps”.  Jim sends along updates about the talented Curlins: “I love getting the (MMG) correspondence from you.  I wish we were in a different place, right now, where we could be a part of everything you (all) do.  (Daughter) Sarah (Soprano) has just finished her four year degree in music.  I'm sure you'll remember her as the young woman that sang the duet 'The Prayer', with her brother.  Anyway, I thought you might enjoy seeing a clip from her Senior Recital.  She's been labeled as a Lyric Coloratura by her Vocal Teacher.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urW9CbAFVjs&feature=PlayList&p=9AFFC366ECD97B56&index=4&playnext=1 Please keep us updated!”   Jim, the YouTube clip is fabulous.  We miss you and hope to have the Curlin Family singing with us again soon.  Jim’s email is: jhc32009@centurytel.net.

2.       Lisa Marmor (Flute). Here’s the latest health update from Lisa, a valiant young fighter against breast cancer: “Though it is Stage IV, am encouraged by today's report and treatment options available.  I was told that I am clear to have a hip replacement ASAP, which will certainly help my mobility for a fall trip to France . My Dr. was very supportive, wrote me a "prescription"  to "travel to Paris "  with VANMMG! So, will remain hopeful that I can go.  Thanks to everyone for the support and help.”  Lisa: We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to you playing the flute on the Eiffel Tower !  Lisa’s email is sanemom4@hotmail.com. 

3.       Cindy Hoppe (Companion and our beloved Nevart Haley’s Daughter).  Cindy sends the following: “Kevin (my nephew) and Jeanette (his wife) had some pictures taken of their new baby Will, my great nephew and my brother Don's grandson.  To see the pics, go to the link below and scroll down until you see "baby Will".  There are several pictures below that.  My favorite is the black and white with all 3 of them in it.  Will was born on 7/14 last month, the same day that my Grandson Blake had his 2nd birthday.  http://simpletreasuresphotography.com/blog/”  Thanks Cindy.  Most of us cannot imagine you and Don as “grandparents”, youthful as you are!  Congratulations on the “grandchildren” however!  Cindy’s email is irish_rose01@hotmail.com.

4.       Nancy Robinson (Alto).  Nancy ’s oldest son William, a police Sergeant in Detroit , recently and unexpectedly suffered a mild stroke.  William is in intense rehabilitation to recover the use of his right side.  He is home now and progressing well with his series of therapy.  William’s brother, Chris, played the Trombone with us in the past. Nancy (and Chris occasionally) have been members of the Group for many years and are dear to all of us.  Nancy, we are glad to hear that William is doing better and wish him a complete recovery. Nancy ’s email address is nrobinson62@yahoo.com.

5.       Kurt Klotz (Whiz Kid, Webmaster and French Horn Principal, etc.). Kurt recently underwent his fourth hand surgery for Dupuytren's Contracture and is recovering well.  We wish you the best Kurt and hope this fourth one will be a charm.  We appreciate all that you do for the Group!  Kurt’s email is kklotz@yahoo.com.

6.       Judy Powell (Clarinet).  Judy reported on a beneficial effect of our visit to England last November.  She received a note from a member of one of the groups we collaborated with in our London concert.  The note from a Beckenham Concert Band member says: “A great byproduct of our concert in November (2009) has been a closer relationship for the British groups taking part, such that the Beckenham Concert Band and the Hampstead Sinfonietta and Chorus have organised a joint concert in London in June, which was a very enjoyable occasion.”  Thanks for passing this message along Judy.  It was truly a magical night at London ’s Central Hall! Judy’s email is  j_v_powell@yahoo.com. 

7.       BVA Award. The Blinded Veterans Association in their Annual Meeting last week honored our Group and Yours Truly with a special award.  The award was given on Friday, August 27, and our Group’s dedication to veterans and our Veterans Hymn were generously recognized.  Elizabeth Nunan was thanked for her tireless work for the Group and your humble correspondent received undeserved praise.  I pass the recognition on to each and every one of you.  BVA members were most impressed with the fact that you all practice for only a few days and then perform a concert competitive enough for national broadcast.  The fact that our members volunteer their talent, time and resources and travel at their own expense was also a cause of great admiration and affection.  I will bring the beautiful plaque, depicting the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille, to our rehearsal in November.  This one is for all of you!

With warm regards!