Dear friends:

I hope you have all had a great summer and are ready for the new season to begin. Many thanks to those of you who were able to sing with the summer choir in July!

Several important things to note:

First Plymouth Choir will begin rehearsing on Wednesday, August 27 at 7:15 PM in the choir room. We will sing for the 9:00 & 10:30 services on September 7^th with an 8:15 AM warm-up and breakfast served in-between.

PLEASE NOTE: we would like to make sure that everyone is happy with the robe they have. Robes will not be shared this year, but we do want to make sure yours is in good condition. I need EACH of you to respond that you are good to go, OR let me know if there is some mending that needs to be done. Your response will insure that everyone has a robe that fits and looks good as well as allowing us to figure out what excess robes can be used for new people. Thank you for your assistance in this matter!

The first Abendmusik Concert of the season will be on Friday, September 5^th at 7:00 PM and will feature Cameron Carpenter. I can only tell you

that you will probably NEVER experience an organ concert like this again. Cameron's musical presentations range from classic organ works revamped to film classics such as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. You will want to see this amazing performer who has been called by some the "Maverick Organist." Check out the following links, and I think you will agree!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWD6uEKYOOY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HrhZ1-cPJE&feature=related

As a member of the choir, you can receive a discount on tickets you purchase for this event. If you are one who is typically bored at an organ recital – this event will change your attitude!!! Bring your friends and family!

Abendmusik Chorus Rehearsals (Men) will begin on September 10^th at 8:30 PM. The first three rehearsals (all of September) will be for the Abendmusik Men due to the fact that the first choral event will take place on November 2^nd as part of a pre-election concert that will include the UNL Men's Chorus and Grand Island Northwest Men's Chorus. Having only the men attend the first several rehearsals will allow us to get a good start on the music for that concert. Please note the extra rehearsal on Sunday, September 28^th following church – 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM for AB Men only.

Full Abendmusik Rehearsals (Men & Women) will commence on Wednesday October 1^st at 8:30 PM. Please note the additional rehearsal on Sunday, November 23^rd following church from 12 noon – 2:00 PM.

~Jeremy~

Search Committee for Director of Music~

A note from the choir president:

Hi Choir - Below is the Director of Music Search Committee. The committee will begin to meet this week. Hope your summer is well; see you at the first rehearsal on Wednesday, August 27th. Jamie Gustafson, President.

The Church Council has approved the following slate of the Search Committee for the next Director of Music at First-Plymouth. Currently, our music program will be under the able leadership of Jeremy Bankson, Acting Music Director.

Lorraine Beadell became a member of First-Plymouth in 1988 and is a 20-year Choir member. She has served on the Board of Music and Fine Arts and the Diaconate Board. She has a BSE and Master of Music degree from UNL, and has been a soloist with Lincoln Symphony, Lincoln Municipal Band, and Third Chair Chamber Players.

Janet Eskridge became a member of First-Plymouth in 1992. She currently serves on the Board of Music & Fine Arts and Stephen Ministry Leadership team. Janet has a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development. She is a board certified art therapist at Children's Hospital in Omaha where she developed a Healing Arts Program.

Ann Finkner serves as ex officio consultant to the committee. She is Sr. Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer for Farm Credit Services of America.

James Gustafson first joined First-Plymouth in 1981 prior to moving to Hastings and became active in the choir in 1993 after moving back to Lincoln. He serves as Choir President and has served on Choir Council. He has chaired or assisted many choir fundraisers, and initiated and co-chaired the aCross Lincoln Art Project for First-Plymouth. James is the owner of PurJava Coffee in Lincoln.

Brad Hartman became a member of First-Plymouth in 1986. He has served on the Diaconate Board, the Board of Christian Education, and currently volunteers engineering audio during the 10:30 Sunday service. In 1996 Brad began Community Connections, Inc. a business which manages internet systems for telephone companies in the region.

Jim Keck – Sr. Minister, First-Plymouth Congregational Church

Meg Lauerman has been a member of First-Plymouth since September, 1982 and currently serves as Vice-Moderator. She is the Director of Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Rob McMaster has been a member of First-Plymouth Choir since 1974. He received Bachelor of Music Education degree from UNL in 1975. Rob started working at Ideal Grocery and Market in 1976 and has been a partner/manager in that business for 31 years.

Tonn Ostergard joined First-Plymouth in November, 1983 and serves as Moderator for First-Plymouth. Tonn is the CEO of Crete Carrier Corporation.

Kim Salistean became a member of First-Plymouth Church in 1986 and is a member of the Summit Strings Quartet. She currently serves as Assistant Concertmaster with the Lincoln Symphony and is a violinist with the Omaha Symphony, and the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra. She teaches violin in her home.