Calling All Musicians!

The AiM Community Band had it's debut last December in a joint concert with the Holiday Singers. Now the group sets it's sites on the 4th of July.

Organized under the direction of AiM board member Ronnie Brooks, the community band accepts musicians of all age and skill levels. While beginners and those who might be a little (or a lot!) rusty with their instruments are welcomed, you must be able to read simple music and have some basic mastery of your chosen instrument.

Through May and June, the band will be organizing and rehearsing for an Independence Day concert in the Selmer City Park. The celebration is being sponsored by Selmer Parks and Recreation and AiM has been asked to provide music during a July 4th evening concert. A children's choir will perform and the community band will play several patriotic medleys, marches and a salute to the armed forces.

The rehearsal schedule is listed below and no formal invitation is required. Anyone interested in being part of the community band is encouraged to attend the rehearsals at Selmer Middle School's band hall, 635 Poplar Ave. in Selmer, TN. Enter the band hall directly at the rear of the building since the main entrance is locked after hours. All rehearsals are at 7:00 PM.

Another opportunity for area musicians will be available in June as the Performing Arts Committee stages The Sound of Music. A pit band with rhythm section, strings and horns will be needed. Inquire at one of the community band rehearsals about participation requirements.

Spring Community Band Schedule:

Monday May 5th
Monday May 19th
Monday June 2nd
Monday June 16th
Monday June 30th
Tuesday July 1st
Thursday July 3rd tentative joint rehearsal 7:00 (Selmer City Park)
Friday July 4th performance 7:30 PM (Selmer City Park)

All rehearsals are 7:00 PM at the SMS band hall unless otherwise specified. Come join the fun!

"The Sound of Music" Auditions Announced!

This week, Arts in McNairy announced the audition and production dates for the final production of the 2008-09 theatre season. Open auditions for The Sound of Music, will be held April 28 and 29 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, 310 West Court Avenue in Selmer, TN. The casting requirements call for a diverse group of performers, so roles for all ages and abilities will be available. Some roles require singing, speaking and simple choreography. Those seeking these roles should be prepared to sing a song, of their choice, from the show and demonstrate simple steps for the choreographer. Everyone will be required to read a few lines from the script, though non-speaking roles will be available. More detailed casting information, rehearsal schedules and production details will be available at the auditions. The cast list will be posted on this blog May 3, 2008 and a full cast meeting will be held May 5, 2008 to get rehearsals underway.

The Sound of Music is widely regarded as the best work of the prolific songwriting team Rogers and Hammerstein and is perhaps the most beloved musical of all time. AiM is proud to be brining it to the McNairy County stage for four June performances. Show dates are June 13, 14, & 15, 2008 and all performances will be at the McNairy Central High School Little Theater, 493 High School Road in Selmer, TN. The show is under the direction of Bryan Essary who is being assisted by musical director Sarah Lemons and choreographer, Jennifer Threadgill. For more information contact the director at 731-645-5326 or 731-610-2255.