Community Arts Center in the heart of downtown Athens, TN. We're here "to enrich the quality of life and make a difference for our community by providing opportunities for the expression and appreciation of the arts."
They capture the movement towards one or the other. True stories are able to face life and death without fear. Every day we live we are drawing closer to the day when we will die. Every moment that we enjoy is going to be but a memory in the not too distant future. There is an ending out there awaiting us all. St Benedict instructed us to remind ourselves everyday that we are going to die; this is not a morbid scare tactic but a healthy way to keep our lives in context. The Cemetery Man knows all of this as well.
John, the Cemetery Man, has seen plenty of both life and death. He has dealt with death more than most. He approaches it with a sense of calm and ‘matter-of-fact’ attitude. He lives amidst those who have gone on before; he is comfortable with the ‘spirits’; he is not so comfortable with those whose ideas of efficiency and cost-effectiveness seem to demean those who have died. He finds himself railing against the mechanization of what has always been something of a sacred duty to him. He has been preparing, presiding, and completing the passing of many in his community; he fulfills a task that few others would want—but he treats it with solemnity and care. He knows that he himself will one day pass from this life, but he does not want his own passing to be handled in what he considers an ‘unholy way.’
Cemetery Man is caught between a way of life that has been and a new world that is coming. Like much of Appalachia he holds to tradition fiercely, but he also has to adjust to what progress (if it truly is progress?) will bring. He knows the values of family and place, but he also knows that such things are struggling against changes that threatens them. He is bound by his community, even if most of them are long gone. From his perspective on Cemetery Hill he can see things that others are missing. His is a good story about life and death. There is definitely something to gain by hearing it.
Leslie D. Rust - October 23, 2017
See Rupert’s Birthday and Other Tales of Appalachia tonight and Saturday, October 27 & 28, 2017, at 7:30pm at The Arts Center in Athens, TN.
I love the collaborative aspect of theatre. I love that it takes a bunch of different people, working individually or together, to create a production. I love the risk people take when working together. I love when a great idea comes about and I have no idea whose idea it was because there were so many other ideas from so many people and the great idea was somehow created by the other ideas that didn't work. I love that the fun of theatre is the work. I love not knowing what the final product will look like but knowing there is a deadline for it. I love that the deadline is the moment an audience is present. I love that all this work is for that audience, each audience, each performance.
Jackie Estes, Chattanooga artist and educator, judged this year’s High School Art Show. She had this to say about the work:
It was an honor to serve as a judge for the Athens Area Council for the Arts. Viewing art is inspiring. I find pleasure in interpreting the message each artist is expressing through color, balance, lines, symbols and even medium choice. Each piece represented had its own style and strengths.
The following were my top choices:
1stplace
Life within the Galaxy by Kallysta Erickson, Meigs Co. High Senior
It was surreal, yet realistic. As a viewer, I was quickly pulled into the depth of the piece and given the feeling of floating. The artist’s use of balance, space, lines and even applied texture within the spray paint added eye-pleasing elements.
2ndplace
Brotherhood by Armando Varga, McMinn Co. High Senior
I was intrigued with this piece. The use of black and white as opposites and the different subjects made each photo stand-alone. With further study, I began to see how the varied textures in each began to pull the three photos together into a single piece. It left me with a pleasing sense of wanting to see and know more.
3rd place
Aboriginal Tree by Lena Mentz, McMinn Co. High Junior
This piece of art had a balance of warm and cool color placement that complemented the overall design. Great artisanship and neatness in the details of dotted lines that created movement.
Honorable Mentions
Sunrise by Aspen Stovall, McMinn Central High, Senior
The artist captured an almost photo-realism like skyline with use of color and brush strokes.
Mountains by Zack Newman, McMinn Central High, Senior
A very eye catching and likeable piece with the use of wood cut angles.
Joseph M. Callahan once stated, “Arts education aids students in skills needed in the workplace: flexibility, the ability to solve problems and communicate, the ability to learn new skills, to be creative and innovative, and to strive for excellence.” As an educator, I believe that we have come to a crucial point in this day and time. We are throwing out the old and bringing in the new, in many different aspects of life. One of those things that seem to be thrown to the wayside is the arts. As stated above, the arts have a fundamental importance in the life of students and individuals alike. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced many facets of the arts, and I hold those moments dear to me.
I am from Morganton, North Carolina. It is a small city, situated in the Catawba River Valley, in the Foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. When I think of my upbringing, it is much like that of the students represented here in Athens, with the one exception. My main focus, growing up (because of my dad), was sports. I played football, soccer, and even tried basketball. All the while, I knew there was a yearning for something more. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved my involvement in those contact sports, but they just did not "do it" for me. It was not until my 6th grade year of school that I began to realize what that yearning was all about.
As with many middle school aged children, I was anxious upon arriving for many reasons. Being in a new place, surrounded by new people, and not knowing many people in my classes, had me terrified. The one thing that I found solace in was choir. I had never been in choir or any "real" music class, up until that point. The moment I stepped foot into the choir room, it was like all my anxiety was released. I was able to breathe, after a day of not breathing. Yes, this sounds completely dramatic, but it was in that instant that I realized, this was what I was yearning for. The choir director greeted us with smiles and singing. I will never forget my first day! This (choir) was the catapult for so many things that were to come. I later started acting, taking a more of an active role of singing in church, and solidifying myself as someone who not only loved the arts but someone who allowed it to infiltrate every essence of their life.
Fast forward several years, and I find myself in a city much like that of my hometown. I mentioned there was an exception to my upbringing compared to that of the students represented here in Athens, but I never fully divulged what that exception was. Upon arriving into Athens, you are greeted with a sign that says "the friendliest city". While this is a true statement of the character of Athens, I have come to find many different characterizations of the place I now call home; one those characteristics being "a place of opportunities". I say this because Athens, though small, offers many opportunities for children and adults alike. Prior to my middle school years, I had little to no opportunities to better understand that yearning that I had deep within for the arts.Contrary to my upbringing, Athens offers a multitude of things for students and adults to be a part of. Anywhere from choirs, to plays, to art classes, you name it. Athens probably has it and offers it to any willing participant.
I believe whole-heartedly in the above mentioned quote, given by Joseph Callahan. Although this is true, I believe that he could have stopped his statement at "Arts education aids students" (period). I have come to find that the arts offer an opportunity to release all of one’s inhibitions and truly delve into something that has the potential to radically change their life. For me, choir was my home away from home, theatre was and is an opportunity to express myself in a way that I normally can't on a day to day basis, and singing is another form of communicating and expressing emotions I may not want to convey. I am grateful that as a 25 year old man, I am still able to take part in these activities; without them, I do not believe I would be the truest version of myself. I am thankful for a place that understands and appreciates the arts in the same manner and fashion that I do. I can only hope and pray that Athens, "the city of opportunities", births new creative and imaginative geniuses to rise up and bring back the importance of such a beautiful aspect of this life.
-Jonathan Berry plays Lennie in ACT’s upcoming Of Mice and Men, which opens Friday April 21, 2017.
Well dressed and time well spent: preparing for “The Gala”
One might ask, “What is the Arts Gala?” Well, for me. It is a time to dress up, enjoy mingling with friends from the community and taking in a night of listening and dancing to some great music. It is also a night to witness the excitement of the bidding war going on for some great auction items in the silent and oral auctions.
Blogger Lisa Littleton (right) with friend and AACA Board Member Traci McKenzie at a past gala.
But, in all reality, the Gala is so much more than an evening of festivities. It is the largest and most important fundraiser that helps provide The Arts Center with capital needed to continue to operate and bring many wonderful performances, workshops, and educational activities for the growing youth of our community.
This year, Daisy Dunlop and I were approached by the AACA gala committee and asked if we would consider coordinating the oral and silent auctions for the Gala. Without hesitation, my heart said “YES” as my mind questioned taking on such an important task at such a busy time.
Lauren Shepherd, Janice Roseberry, Beverly Harrison, Lisa Littleton, and Daisy Dunlop review a list of items donated to the auctions for the
March 11 event.
We knew we would have some huge shoes to fill since Debbie Mayfield and the AACA auxiliary have for many years hosted a wonderful event with successful auctions. However, Daisy and I have known each other for several years, and we have worked together to create many successful events in past, so we felt up to the task! As with any fundraiser, it takes a crew of volunteers to put things together and be successful. Being a volunteer is the most rewarding way you can show your support for any organization because it is a labor of love. But it is most rewarding and exciting to be a part of this wonderful organization and to give back to a place that my family has loved being part of for many years.
And, so we began our hunt. When working to pull off an event of this magnitude, it takes a lot of time preparing for the big day. First, we compiled a list of businesses that we wanted to reach out to in order to ask for their support. Once the donation letters were mailed and collection dates for items were established, we started making our rounds, scoring the loot! On several occasions, we made appointments to meet and discuss some of the larger items that we wanted to bring to the auction. While this all took some time, it was time well spent.
We couldn’t have made this all possible without the support of our local businesses. So, from all of us THANK YOU, for your continued support of the arts and helping us make our first year joining the Gala committee a success. We sincerely hope you enjoy bidding on the items as much as we enjoyed finding them.
Alex Lauterbach says ACT’s Willy Wonka “Truly Is a World of Pure Imagination”
Willy Wonka has been an amazing experience. Many members of our cast and crew have never been in anything as large scale as this production, but it helps to have a fantastic support system and director.
When I first auditioned for Willy Wonka, I was in a room with about 50 children. I bemoaned this, thinking it would be hectic and messy, but they proved me wrong. Every single child in the cast is as professional and respectful as you would expect an adult to be, and they still manage to make rehearsal fun and exciting. This show would not be what it is (which is magnificent) without them.
Brittany Duggan (Mrs. Beauregarde), Alex Lauterbach (Violet Beauregarde), and Jedi Gabel (Phineous Trout) in rehearsal for Willy Wonka.
The stage is truly a sight to behold. Every intricate prop or detail that director, Melonie Carideo, could dream up is there in all of its brightly colored glory. Even without costumes or music you can feel the set come to life. It truly is a world of pure imagination. None of this would have been possible without the artistic abilities of the City Park and Athens City Middle School art classes. I know we are all very excited to welcome our audience and enrich your theater experience.
It’s claimed that confession is good for the soul. So here goes. More than a dozen years ago when The Arts Center purchased the old Harrod’s Grocery building to serve as its new permanent home, I was a skeptic. Uncharacteristically, I kept my mouth shut about my misgivings, in part because my wife sat on the committee that recommended going forward with the project.
Most people don’t realize that the maintenance costs of a large commercial space are typically much greater than those of a residence. You think your utility bill is high when it hits $300 in a month? You can bet the bill for your church, meeting hall or the local arts center will be well over $1,000...or even several thousand. So how could the AACA hope to meet these costs over the long haul once the initial enthusiasm for the project had faded?
All these many years later, I still don’t know how Lauren and her staff (and Ellen before her) have managed to pay the monthly bills. I’m just glad they found a way.
Since my retirement three years ago, the Arts Council has become my second home. Building stage sets has long been my hobby. I don’t know which end of a golf club to hold, and I couldn’t catch an Asian carp in the Illinois River. But I’ve had great fun trying to figure out how to build safe and adequate set pieces for the Athens Community Theatre on a shoestring; using recycled boards (which keep getting shorter and shorter), and re-re-recycled utility screws until the heads are a mangled mass.
And as I work, I am aware of the steady stream of friends and neighbors who come to The Arts Center to paint, to work in clay, to sing and dance, to display their creations, and to support the foregoing activities. They range in ages from 2 to 82 (which means I have at least another 19 years before they throw me out).
Oh, and by the way, The Arts Center has also been the venue where I have experienced the joy of inhabiting roles as varied as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (see above), the Emperor Charlemagne, the ghost of John Barrymore (see above with skull), and my current incarnation, Willy Wonka (see below).
So to all of you supporters of the AACA, thank you for keeping the doors open for me.
The Masters of Soul are so excited to be part of the celebration of history.
We put together this tribute to honor the great performers that introduced Motown and soul music to not just us but the world. These legendary musicians created music and a culture that lives on today and is recognized across many generations and countries today. As a group, we strive to honor the great Motown and soul sounds of the great artists that forged history and helped break barriers. Music brings all people together and the members of Masters of Soul feel incredibly blessed to have the ability to honor those great musicians and singers.
As both individuals and a group, we have been performing since high school in every genre of music. However, we find that even in today’s music world the sounds of Motown and soul are always requested and loved. We couldn’t be more excited to keep these classic sounds alive. Our mission is to perform nationwide in performing arts centers and share this music and culture with as many people as possible. To aid in this mission we have also had the opportunity to do high school seminars. Our goal behind these seminars is to educate the next generation of youngsters on this classic music and culture. We want them to understand the harmonies, patterns, and culture that era created for us all to enjoy. Something we’ve been so pleased to find is that the age gap did not stop the love for music and especially the sounds and harmonies of the Motown and soul music era.
Every night we take stage we are all continuously honored and excited to do our best to tribute the talents of the artists we all love. Most audiences sing along with us and are transported back to another time. We constantly find ourselves aware of the impact the music has in our hearts and history.Our tribute offers music from Temptations, Supremes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, James Brown, Barry White, Aretha Franklin, The Jacksons, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Tina Turner and many more. We strive to insure we present a large variety of artists in our music history. We can’t wait to bring these artists to your stage on Friday February 3rd at Athens City Middle School!
Growing up as the twin daughters of Rick and Pam Thigpen, Liz and I were immersed in music at an early age. Our mother especially helped to instill in us a love for the arts. Whether it be an impromptu Mariah Carey song in the car with a hairbrush in hand, or a toilet paper roll accessory for a performance of Steve Winwood’s song “Roll With It,” Liz and I were always happy to perform.
“Sisters” featuring September Song celebrates sisterhood and features three groups of singing sisters including Emily Arrington and Liz Schreck.
We haven’t had a chance to perform publicly together in the last 13 years. When we were asked to be in the “Sisters” concert, I wanted to seize this opportunity. Liz has still been performing, while I have not stepped onto the stage in a very long time. Being able to sing together again is like a “coming home” feeling for me. I’m glad to be a part of this special event at The Arts Center!
Janet Martin: I Jazzy to let my artistic side come out and play for a while. For you all who don’t know, I am a mechanical draftsman and have always worked in the engineering department of manufacturing facilities. I am very square, precise, symmetrical, methodical, practical, I love numbers. I am dull. I feel that I get it from my father, who was an engineer in a family of nerdy engineering types and I’m completely good with it. My mother on the other hand, came from a wonderful family of verbal, very musically gifted people. When Ms. Pamie asked ME to be a part of Jazzy 10 years ago, I thought she was nuts, but accepted before she could think twice! The fact that she has invited me back year after year, I am beyond pleased and proud to be the token math geek in an amazing group of musicians. So, basically, everyday I go to work, I make detailed technical drawings, and my father smiles; but every Christmas, I do Jazzy and my Mom and now my brother David just beam.
Laurel Wood: Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was young I sang in choirs and played in an orchestra. As I grew older, jobs and children and just "life" resulted in lots of stress, but music has always been there as my therapy. No matter how tired I am, singing with other musicians calms my day and brings me joy.
When I moved to Athens a few years ago, I found I greatly missed the chorus and small ensemble group in which I had sung in my former town. In particular, I missed the huge Christmas programs we had with a full symphony orchestra; this really set the stage for the holiday season, both in the community and in my heart. And then I went to see Jazzy. What a wonderful revelation to learn that Athens was home to some of the best singers I had ever heard! The show was fun and vibrant, and I realized I knew “my” part to about three-quarters of the songs being sung.
Much later I tentatively approached the wonderful Pam Thigpen about trying out for this group, and the next thing I knew, I was lucky enough to be part of it.
So, why do I Jazzy?
- To be able to join into this fabulous tradition in my new community.
- To become friends with and learn from the amazingly talented musicians who are here.
- To help center my soul by focusing on something bigger than the daily stresses of life.
- To be part of creating something new and wonderful to share with others.
- For the love of the music through which we get to share the joy and spirit of Christmas.
To Hawai’i and back: Jen Aly recounts her artistic journey.
When I was at McMinn Central High School, I took two years of art with Ms. Simpson and I felt so rich. Art was by far my favorite class and I have vivid memories of specific projects where I was encouraged to express and create like never before.
Ms. Simpson persuaded me to apply for a scholarship at Arrowmont, an art school in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I received a scholarship to attend a residential week-long class in photography. At 18 years old, it was my first time fully on my own and exposed me to the world of art on a new level. I savored every minute of the community and high quality crafts, and gained new skills and ways of seeing.
At Tennessee Wesleyan College, I seized the newly created opportunity to minor in art after Julie Jack came on the scene. I was so relieved to have options in so many media and appreciated the high standard Julie required of student work, mixed with her light-hearted attitude.
Soon I pursued a Masters of Science in Education at the University of Tennessee and later returned to TWC to teach full-time. After a couple of years, I accepted a fellowship through the U.S. Department of State and went to Honduras where I taught and consulted for a year.
When I returned to the U.S. in 2003, I went to California, trained to be a life coach with Martha Beck, started a coaching and professional organizing business, and taught part-time. I studied business and marketing and was a part of a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. After 5 years there, I moved to Hawai'i, where I began teaching again at the University of Hawai'i, Maui.
I started out living in Kihei along the southern coast. While swimming there one day, I unknowingly wore my favorite pair of wire-wrapped earrings with shell pieces into the ocean. A friend showed me how to replace the metal and I accidentally broke a shell while trying to remake them. I was bummed, but this led me to THE bead store on Maui. Soon, I began to grade papers on Sunday afternoons at a cafe' next to the bead store and I would promptly reward myself by going to the bead store afterwards.
I would occasionally play with making things at my friend’s house and she taught me more skills. After years of grading tons of papers, I felt burnt out on teaching and had a bad case of "Island Fever." I decided to move back to the Mainland.
When I returned from Hawai'i in 2012, I bought my own wire-wrapping tools, and began collecting beads. I traveled around the Eastern U.S. with a milk crate of beads as I visited friends and family for extended periods of time after 10 years of being thousands of miles away in Honduras, California, and Hawaii.
I loved making jewelry and my friends and family were encouraging me to create new designs and were happy to reap the benefits. Soon I bought a hammer and my father used his welding skills to make a sizable steel plate that, to this day, still rests on a shot back of sand, which absorbs some of the sound.
Autumn of 2012, I was in Tennessee and fellow jewelry artist, Jessica Klaaren, told me about the Holiday Trunk Show at the Arts Center. I pulled it together to participate and had such a wonderful experience. This first show at The Arts Center was really the beginning of jewelry becoming a business. This November marks my fifth year at the Holiday Trunk Show at the Arts Center and I'm delighted to participate again.
In early 2013,I moved to Asheville and the milk crate of beads turned into a small table in my living room and before long required a home studio.Then in February of 2015, I signed a lease for a public studio in Asheville, North Carolina’s River Arts District, a community of over 200 artists that is housed in converted warehouses just 5 minutes from downtown. Because I love being at my studio, the upcoming Holiday Trunk Show at The Arts Center is only my 2nd show this year.
My work is really about my clients. My focus is helping people find just the right piece to match what they need, or with a special meaning for the perfect gift. Ranging from simple gifts to bold, yet lightweight statement pieces, my colorful designs are conversation starters and support the wearer to feel confident every day.
I look forward to this show. Helping people choose the right handmade gift is always priceless and I love shopping from the artists there myself too. I also appreciate that a percentage of the sales goes toward The Arts Center.
-Jen Aly, Holiday Trunk Show and Art Market vendor
We Good Lovelies are really looking forward to this week’s show in Athens, Tennessee. Not only do we get to escape the Canadian fall (read: cold), we get to hang out as three best friends and make music onstage for you. Stepping into the lights and singing in harmony is bliss. Plus, we get to travel with our wee babes, which also gets the heart brimming.
Last March, Sue and I welcomed two little boys into the world (her first baby, my second). These little guys are pure joy – smiles and wiggles and boundless energy. So… Much... ENERGY!! Years ago, when I had my first child, we decided to take her on the road. By the age of two, she had been to three continents, seven countries and on over 60 flights. She told me this week that she wants to be a musician when she grows up. I wasn’t surprised!
We’re continuing the touring tradition with these little boys and we’ll be running around after them in Tennessee. Beyond being able to tour with the boys, Sue and I are so lucky because we have a wonderful Aunt Kerri. She’s a great support to us, both onstage when our mommy brains take a break and when we need to say, take a shower! What would we do without her?
Come hear about baby travel and Auntie-time at our show in Athens on Friday! We’d love to see you there.
When I first read Win/Lose/Draw, I was enthralled with the stories of six women at various stages in their lives and each with their own personal turmoil. One character in particular stood out to me—the character of Annemarie. As I read her words and delved into her story, feelings of familiarity and fear, love and loathing, guilt and pleasure…all flooded the forefront of my mind. The painful yet endearing characteristics of Annemarie, the self-doubt, her passive, almost frightened demeanor, and her constant struggle with the most prominent burden she bears—her weight—felt all too familiar and I thought of a younger, more fragile self making my way through my life journey. I remember having a dozen thoughts in my mind at once and managing it with grace and ease—except the one—the weight. I could juggle three term papers, two exams, a half-dozen meetings, dozens of volunteer hours and family stress, but the thought of having to face a world of judgement and perfection as an overweight young woman was almost crippling.
When I auditioned for a part in this production, I really only had one part in mind—that familiar girl, that reflection of myself a decade ago. After accepting the role, I thought, “What have I done?” The walk down memory lane wasn’t as pleasant and assuring as I had hoped—but instead a painful and poignant reminder of where I had been. As I grew into the role, however, it was almost like I was finding all of that strength and resiliency again—but not for myself, for others. I was afforded the opportunity to tell a story of a young woman rising from the mire and abyss of self-doubt to her victorious discovery of inner strength, a crucial story for our community, our youth, and dare I say—our society. What an honor and privilege it has been becoming AnneMarie, and reliving that piece of my journey so that these stories might just help another do the very same thing—find their strength.
I have come quite a distance in my journey of healing since I was that young girl with a hundred dreams and a thousand fears. I have learned that I am not to be measured by my dress size, the way my clothing fits me, or a number on a scale. I am so much more than that—we all are. That did not come easy and many times a day, I have to remind myself of that very statement. I am more than the number on the scale. I am worthy. In a world full of measuring tapes, scales, weight loss schemes, and unattainable expectations, the most important thing we can teach ourselves and our children is that we are worthy of love and that we are enough. Repeat after me, dear ones, we are enough.
I would be remiss in not mentioning the other two stories in this incredible series—a story of young mothers and a story of two women with similar wants and desires who are on very different life paths. I have had the overwhelming honor of directing one of these plays—”Final Placement”—and what a joy it has been to watch the two actresses working diligently, developing their stories, and overcoming their own apprehensions. I cannot begin to tell you how precious this experience has been to me. Community theatre—you open my eyes and fill my heart once again—and I thank you.
-Autumn Carusilo plays Annemarie in "Chocolate Cake” and is also director of “Final Placement,” one acts in Win/Lose/Draw next weekend, October 27-29.
So, I have been given the opportunity to write about my experience as a cast member of Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. First off, how “‘bout that title?” Aren’t you just curious as to what in the world this show is about? I expect you assume James Dean shows up a time or two and that makes sense but, let me tell you, you are in for some surprises.
I am so proud to say that the ACT continues to broaden its consideration of plays and musicals. This one in particular leaves nothing to the imagination when it comes to the colorful vocabularies and opinions of some very interesting Texas women. My character, in particular, holds back very little when it comes to speaking her mind about the subject matter being discussed.
As time transitions back and forth between 1955 and 1975, a picture of each character is created and developed through a reunion of conversations that had not quite ended in the earlier years. I hesitate to give away too much about the play because I do love a good twist and would hate to take that away from the potential audience. I will say that when you come to the show, bring a friend… or three, because you will definitely want to converse over coffee or cocktails afterwards.
That’s what I love about going to a live stage performance! Whether you hate it or love it, get it or don’t, the chance to experience a story and break it down and talk about it with others tends to put real life into perspective sometimes. Give it a try and then tell me I’m wrong.
One particularly significant aspect of this show, for me personally, has been the experience of being cast with my 14 year old daughter. Yes, I can read your mind. You’re thinking, “what a lovely moment she is having with her baby.” I do love those “moments” of sharing stories after rehearsals, whether it be talking about the new friends we’ve made with the cast or just the play in itself.
I mean, there is some heavy stuff in this piece of work. These conversations aren’t exactly easy to bring up with a teenage daughter. But what an opportunity for us to discuss social and cultural issues of the past and the impact these issues still have on society today. So I guess you can say we have had a “moment” or two: about 30 seconds the day before yesterday, maybe even 7 minutes last week when we ran lines together in the car.
As most of you mothers of teenage daughters know, much of the time is spent yelling up the stairs to get out the door or to lecture her about not forgetting her script and getting her homework finished during rehearsal of the first act. Oh, yes… it’s just “lovely.” In all seriousness, that’s kind of our lives anyway so actually getting to do something together, that we both love, has really been a treat for me. It has honestly been this “stage mom’s” dream to be on the stage since I was a little girl. So for my daughter to have the theater bug too AND actually share a show with her is pretty much icing on the maternal cake.
It just so happens to be scheduled during one of the most tumultuous times on the mother/daughter relationship timeline. She will spend this quality time with me and she will like it, am I right, moms? I kid. But seriously, “can I please just do your hair and make-up like I did when you were Annie? No… fine. Do it yourself. Oh, and I love you and I’m proud of you. Go to bed.”
-Traci McKenzie, pictured above with daughter Emmy (who played the title role in ACT’s Annie in 2011)
When Lauren Shepherd, AAAC Director first asked me about directing the renewed Athens Area Children's Choir, there was a twinkle in her eye and joy in her voice as she recalled her childhood choral experience. I too share joyful memories of singing. I have always enjoyed singing in choirs and still do!
Choral singers learn the value of hard work, responsibility and self-confidence along with a desire for musical excellence.
There was always music in my childhood home. I remember gathering around the piano with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins as we sang gospel music or Christmas carols. We went to concerts and all night sings! Today my father sings bass in his church choir. My parents attended a lifetime of recitals and concerts and flooded my brother and I with encouragement. We both studied piano and played in the band. And we always sang in choirs! We even watched choirs on television. Remember Lawrence Welk and Mitch Miller?! From church choirs, school choirs, university choirs, professional and volunteer choirs; the choral musical experience is rich and transformative.
As Music Director for St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Athens, I have the pleasure of conducting the choristers of St. Paul's Sunday Choir and the Jr. Choristers. Music is an integral part of worship every week. We come together year-round to celebrate our faith, sing beautiful music, wear lovely robes, laugh and love! Choral music offers a deep and lasting emotional and spiritual encounter.
The Athens Area Children's Choir is already in a high-energy rehearsal groove! At the start of every rehearsal we stretch and warm up our instruments - our bodies. We breathe and add our voices to the exhaling air. Then, unique from all other musical instruments, singing includes words! Words that communicate messages of love, faith, joy, grief, of different times and places and in different languages. Participation in a choir engages your whole person: body, mind and spirit!
Thank you Lauren and AACA for renewing the Athens Area Children's Choir because, encompassing all that is human, choral singers learn the value of hard work, responsibility and self-confidence along with a desire for musical excellence. Through engaging children in meaningful and high quality music education and performance opportunities, singing in a choir is transforming and unforgettable. Ask Lauren about that!
Excitement is in the air as the delightful singers and Ellen Kimball, our accompanist, prepare for our debut with Annie Moses Band! Whether you sing in Carnegie Hall, at The Arts Center, for family and friends at school concerts, or for weekly worship services, singing in a choir is pure joy!
Understandably, most people are not professional musicians. The lifestyle is an unconventional one. One that is contrary to the traditional 9am to 5pm thing that most folks are accustomed to.
Professional musicians who tour, spend many of their time on the highways of America before they even hit the stage to perform a concert in a given town. It is not uncommon for our net income to be much less than folks who have 9 to 5 five jobs.
Professional musicians do what we do because we have a passion for it. We are willing to have less money to live more of life. In other words, in order to do what we love, we happily give up what material things we might desire. There's no right or wrong in ones life choices in my opinion, as long as we are willing to accept the results of them.
To live life as an artist is fulfilling enough in and of itself. However, to be a professional musician is beyond words. I chose to be a professional musician because I feel it's my primary avenue to happiness. I hope everyone does the thing that brings their lives happiness, purpose and meaning.
-David Gerald, blues musician
Come see David Gerald this Friday at The Arts Center in Athens!
