NEWSLETTER #103
by Wendel Werner
HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE WENDEL
WERNER NEWSLETTER #103
Hello everybody,
Let's start off with how appropriate it is that you are getting a newsletter
from me on April Fool's Day. That's not ironic, is it?
I also need to mention something I forgot in the last newsletter. There is a new
website called www.mainlypiano.com. Within the last two months, they've posted
some really nice reviews of my "Let It Snow" album and the "Spiritual" album.
Please check out those reviews and support this new website. It's set up quite
well.
I'm very proud to say that a choral spiritual of mine called "My Mountain" will
be premiered by the Little Traverse Choral Society up in Michigan during this
month. I really tried to make arrangements to be there for the premier...but it
seems that I have gigs that are keeping me from getting there.
One last thing before we get into a VERY busy April. It seems that I've
officially entered the digital age. You know that you can purchase the
"Spiritual" album online through the www.cdbaby.com website. (If you go to the
homepage on my website, www.wendelwerner.com, and click on the album cover, it
will take you directly to cdbaby.) Well, as of this month, you can purchase the
mp3 version and download the "Spiritual" album. (AND it's cheaper.) Now you have
no excuse for not having this album!!!!
Are you ready for the month of April???
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2008
WALTERS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-SEVIERVILLE CAMPUS
SPRING CHORAL CONCERT
7PM
FREE
This will complete my first year as the director of the concert choir here on
this campus. I'm proud to say that we've doubled the members of the choir from
last semester to this semester. I think you'll hear a huge difference in the
sound. This concert will have the concert choir from Sevier County High School,
under the direction of Peg Welch, performing with us. In addition to their
performance, the WSCC concert choir, AND an appearance by the WSCC womens
ensemble, we will also be premiering a new piece, called
"Sisters (Meet Her)," that I arranged written by Nancy Kile, a good friend of
mine that will also be attending the concert. So, it looks like it will be a
memorable night.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2008
BELCOURT THEATRE in NASHVILLE, TN.
7:30PM
$25
Okay, remember when I used to teach "the History of Rock and Roll" at the
University of Tennessee? I recently got an e-mail from a former student that
said, "you know your teacher has become a big deal when his class goes on the
road." It seems like that is what has happened. The UT Alumni Office tried to
work out a deal where I could give a couple of those lectures to some alumni
chapters in Florida. That didn't work out. But not only did THIS date work out,
it seems that I'll be speaking in the Knoxville area in September and doing a
lecture/concert in Crossville in September as well.
However, on this Thursday, I'll be in Nashville discussing the history of rock
and roll and how Nashville is involved in all that. There will be some
surprising facts. It will last about an hour. There will be a question and
answer period. It IS a fundraiser for the Davidson County Alumni Chapter. Come
and see how crazy I'm going to be.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 5 & 6, 2008
BALLET GLORIA SPRING CONCERT
FIRST FARRAGUT METHODIST CHURCH
(SAT)7:30PM, (SUN)3PM
$15
Once again, Ballet Gloria has opted to choreograph some things to music of mine.
In this case, the entire second half of the show is set to music from the
"Spiritual" album. What they have planned is really cool. I think you'll be very
impressed.
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008
THE UT SINGERS
PUBLIC CONCERT
FARRAGUT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
6PM
FREE
The jazz choir for the University of Tennessee, the UT SIngers, only do a couple
of public performances during their season. All the other performances are for
private functions. So this is your chance to see what they've been up to. The
concert is their last of the year. They are very proud of the work they've done
this year. Let them show you...and be prepared to see how charming they are
during their question/answer period afterwards.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2008
WENDEL WERNER AND THE HOUSE BAND
KNOXVILLE MUSEUM OF ART-ALIVE AFTER FIVE CONCERT SERIES
5:30PM-8PM
$8
First of all...GET THERE EARLY!! You've heard me say that before. I say that for
a reason!!
Well, I've been talking about this band for a long time. This is the Knoxville
debut of the 9-piece blues band known as the House Band. If you miss
this...you'll be sorry. It's going to be so much fun!!
MONDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 14-20, 2008
RANDOLPH COLLEGE in LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE
Dr. Randall Speer, director of choral activities at Randolph College,
commissioned me to write something for his choir and be present all week to work
with the choir and speak to some classes. I may also record a cd with their jazz
choir. The piece, called "The Women," will be premiered at a concert on the
final day of the residency.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008
HIWASSEE COLLEGE CHORAL CONCERT
MADISONVILLE, TN.
7PM
I will be accompanying this concert. The choir is under the direction of Mr.
Alan Eleazer. That should tell you everything you want to know. This completes
his first year as the choral director there. He's done magnificent work in that
time.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2008
WALTERS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-MORRISTOWN
SPRING CHORAL CONCERT
7PM
This is the last concert of the year for the choral groups of WSCC on the
Morristown campus. You'll hear four groups perform. All have worked hard and
they will be very proud to show you what they can do. There will be some very
difficult music done here. The Morristown area always supports the choral
program, under the direction of Laura Ritter, quite well. We hope this will be
no exception.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2008
SWING CHOIR CHORAL FESTIVAL in MEMPHIS, TN.
I'll be flying to Memphis early on this morning so that I can be a judge for a
jazz/swing choir festival. I'm very excited to hear some of these choirs that I
often miss living on the other side of the state.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2008
TELLICO VILLAGE YACHT CLUB
NOON
Every year, the people in this community put together their money and give a
scholarship to a talented young musician. The performer performs some music and
then a guest performer gives a mini-concert. This year, I'm the guest performer.
I've been lucky to have done this twice before. It's an honor to perform for a
community that supports the arts to such an extent.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008
WENDEL WERNER AND THE HOUSE BAND
THE PALACE THEATRE in CROSSVILLE, TN.
7PM
$$$
So, when you come to see the House band in the middle of April, you'll ask
yourself how you can hear this band again. (yes...you will!!) We have been asked
to return to Crossville to play a benefit concert put on by the local hospital
that is raising money for the Relay For Life organization. The hospital is
confident that they will fill the building with people. You may want to get your
tickets early.
Okay, now I'm tired...and late for my first class. Hopefully I'll see you
sometime this month. As always, thanks for your support.
Wendel Werner