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Meeting |
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Report |
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December 20, 2005 |
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A CHARLOTTE ROTARY MUSICAL SHARING By Julius Melton Over the years the program nearest to Christmas has nearly always been primarily a musical one. Some years we have sampled the foremost talent available in Charlotte -- usually picked from among our fine musical groups locally, but sometimes some imported soloists who happened to be in town. On other occasions we have had entire singing groups visit us-adult or children's choirs. But this year, our Music  Committee
(which usually draws the job of arranging this unique day's program)
decided we should see what talent we have in our own club, and also
enjoy the experience of doing music together. Committee chair Gregg
Walker, in today's introduction, reminded us of "the power and
importance of singing," encouraging us to incorporate singing into
our homes, especially if we gather with several generations at
holidays. After having drafted its own members for leadership duty
today, the Music Committee moved out to enlist several other
Charlotte Rotarians, to bring the singing group "up front" to around
a dozen. Our regular accompanist, member Thomas Moore, played a
terrific sax today, joining Greg James, keyboardist, specially
invited from the community. The two entertained beautifully with
seasonal favorites during our time at lunch. The Music Committee didn't let the rank and file of us Rotarians "sit this one out." Of the eleven songs in the day's program, all but 3 were open to all, to join in-not that we would have wanted to sit mutely as others had the fun of singing seasonal songs. Thanks to member Harriman Jett, words of the songs were flashed onto two screens so we could take part. We did so lustily, aided perhaps by some special beverage that those at THE TABLE shared round the room. The part of the event that was a sing-along included the "oldie" Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, that David Erdman sang, accompanying us and himself on his guitar. Other favorites sung today by the special group, and ourselves, were: Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, Silver Bells, My Favorite Things, Let There Be Peace on Earth, and, in conclusion, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Solos were sung by two heretofore unknowns (at least to their fellow Rotarians). Meg McElwain's rendition of I'll Be Home for Christmas would have wowed any nightclub crowd! And single girls in any audience where Gregg Walker would sing Let It Snow would be asking whether he was married yet. Near the end of the program, Thomas Moore, fresh from a special time with children and teachers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, sang verse one of O Holy Night. Amazing revelations today! Singers come in so many shapes, sizes, Rotary categories, and vocations. Just take a look at the music leaders we applauded today. In the work-a-day world of museums, one might hear skilled humming from Pam Meister, while she manages the Charlotte Museum of History, or find Alan Barnhardt soothing the savage Raptors, at his Center, by trilling a song or two. Jill Santuccio may be thinking up ways to promote the arts, to the tune of a lilting aria. One wonders whether there is something that leads singers into marketing or fundraising, which are jobs of choice for today's singers Cecily Durrett at United Way, as well as Meg McElwain of Magnoila Marketing. Our Music Committee's chair, Gregg Walker, may mull over human resources advice, to give clients at Aon Consulting, while he croons a romantic solo. Music, being a form of communication, fits well into what three others of today's performers do at work-B. G Metzler, of B.G.M. Communications, may arrange her work load so she can break into song whenever she likes. Not quite so easy for our two singers today whose lives are involved with WTVI. Elsie Garner and Ed Driggs could work up a cool duet, but they might have to worry about copyrights and royalties, if the studio mikes happened to send their tones out over the airways. Since lawyers aim at restoring harmony, David Erdman (of Erdman & Hockfield) likely finds his vocation and musical avocation compatible. Of course, there is even more compatibility between the professional life of Thomas Moore, Ph. D. consultant in early childhood education, and his expert use of music as a means of building community - as he has done in our town for 25 years, and which we enjoyed today! "Merry Christmas!" This was a common theme of many of the songs today. It was also a greeting passed around as Rotarians filed out of today's light and lively luncheon. Even your scribe-left behind to put together this "story"-and long-suffering Sandy, our Executive Secretary who commits this and other great stuff to the computer, retained enough of the program's spirit to send you their own "Merry Christmas." So . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS! Head Table: Robert Freeman, Jerry Blanchard, Herb Harriss, Gregg Walker, Mike Rash, Jody Morris, Marilynn Bowler Visitors & Guests: Invocation: George Thompson; Visitors & Guests: Worth Williamson
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Copyright © 1998-2005. The Rotary Club of Charlotte. All rights reserved.
Revised: January 24, 2008.