Many thanks to all who made our 2009-10 Season Kick-Off Event a great success! Between golf, dinner, silent auction and sponsorships, more funds were raised and more people and community businesses were involved than ever before! In hard economic times, we are so very grateful for this showing of support. Our success will enable ABFOM’s continued support of AB’s music programs through scholarships, as well as financial assistance for music education programs, uniforms, costumes, transportation to and from performances and competitions. The day was a heartening demonstration of our community’s commitment to music education and the aspirations of our young performers.

View our list of 2009-10 sponsors at the right. PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US! We urge you to give these businesses and service providers your patronage so that they thrive and can continue to enhance the life of our community and schools.

Golf was enjoyed by golf-o-philes and duffers alike. Armed with umbrellas and a well-draining course at Townsend Ridge Country Club, our 28 sponsors for tees, greens and golf balls provided exciting venues for pars, putts and pay-offs (in the form of purchased mulligans).  Prizes were had by many, the most famous winner being Jen Moss for longest drive (it pays to have conductor’s arm muscles). The par 3 holes were especially exciting for the golf contingent. While Ken Feit won the 'closest to the pin' contest, Mark Hickey was within inches of winning the new car from Acton Toyota on a par 3 several holes later in the course.

The dinner was enjoyed by golfers and non-golfers alike. The evening began with entertainment by all of AB’s talented a cappella groups: 13 Fish Named Jennifer, Cascade, Downbeat, Madrigal Singers and the Testostertones. They shook the Townsend Ridge Club House with explosive harmony and joyous sound! During dinner, our DJ’s music and nostalgia games kept the silent auction bidders happily circling the tables which were filled with donations from 45 local businesses and music supporters. (See a selection of auction  items below.) Many silent auction items fetched more than their donated value! Thank you to our generous bidders who went home with their terrific treasures. 

More pictures

If you missed this year’s fun, we hope you’ll join us next year. If you joined us at this year’s event, we would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for an even better event next time. Email Patty Higgins at pattyhiggins@comcast.net.

"Young Flutist" By Betty Gwinn

• Intaglio Original print edition size 57/350
  
• Custom framed with archival matting and glass
• Donated by Powers Gallery
• Value framed: $400.00

Bose SoundDock® Portable digital music system

• iPod docking station compatible with all iPhone and most iPod models.
• Donated by BOSE.
• Retail value $399

Oriental Rug

• 100% wool, hand-knotted rug from Pakistan.
• Vegetable-dyed, antique wash finish.
• 1'11" x 3'.
• Donated by First Oriental Rugs.
• Retail value $140
  

T-shirts

• "The AB Band Marches to the Beat of a Different Drummer ..."
• Donated by Graphic Connections.
• Retail value $15

Thom Hannum Mobile Percussion Seminar

• Tuition for the week-long summer Mobile Percussion Seminar at the UMass Amherst campus.
• Dates TBA.
• Room and board not included.
• Approximate value $300.
• Donated by Thom Hannum

The program offered by the Mobile Percussion Seminar is carefully designed to develop the mental and physical aspects of percussion performance through Technique, Reading , and Musicianship. Emphasis is placed on establishing a positive attitude, leadership skills, and a uniform playing style.

Thom Hannum has long been regarded as one of the nation's foremost percussion arrangers, instructors, and clinicians having presented numerous seminars and workshops throughout the United States , Canada , Europe, and Southeast Asia . He is best known for his work with the DCI World Champion Cadets of Bergen County and Star of Indiana. Thom is a member of the design team for the Tony Award Winning show Blast! In the summer of 2001, Mr. Hannum was selected for induction into the DCI Hall of Fame and in 2008 he was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

For more info on the camp, go to http://percussion.org/

George N. Parks Drum Major Academy

• Tuition for the week-long summer Drum Major Academy at the UMass Amherst campus.
• Dates TBA.
• Room and board not included.
• Approximate value $300.
• Donated by George Parks

George Parks is the nation's foremost authority on the art of drum majoring, and brings over 35 years of teaching and performing experience to the Drum Major Academy, instructing over 3000 drum major and band leadership students each year.

For more info on the camp, go to http://drummajor.org/