This month's board meeting will help formulate a policy to deal with procedures for charitable
assistance, dates and locations for future pick-in's, suggested changes for more member
involvement in our association's activities.
When asked this question I always respond with, "how much involvement would you be willing to
take on ?" The answers sometimes startle me. "I've never been asked to do anything", is the most
common. I can assure you there are opportunities for members to become more active.
Example: "Music in the Schools" program. We need people who will contact elementary schools
to help NFBA to present our IBMA endorsed program that includes live ( member) musicians to play
and illustrate bluegrass music. We also need member musicians who are available to perform in the
schools. Because these events occur most often during the day, this could be difficult for some.
At the March board meeting we will begin looking for more volunteer opportunities.
Our Coastal Blue youth band is undergoing personnel changes as two of senior members have moved
on to new challenges. We so proud of these young musicians because they have advanced themselves
through hard work and practice to a higher level. This what the youth band was designed to do;
allow young musicians to experience working in a band where it isn't just you but how you work
with others to make the band sound good. In the end everyone succeeds. We wish Kailey Oldenburg
and Macy Williamson success! Coastal Blue will be reorganizing for a few weeks at least, and will
be perform again when ready.
We wish to thank Ron Davis for the banjo and mandolin he donated to the youth band. Those
instruments are greatly appreciated.
St. Augustine was the scene this weekend for the Seafood Festival, a charity event put on by the
Lions Club. The food was wonderful and the bluegrass music was great. The feature act was
"Cadillac Sky" from Dallas-Forth Worth Texas. They are a mix of early "Bluegrass Revival' with
an emphasis on Bela Fleck and Sam Bush. "Sweetwater" from Gainesville, "Wilson Family" and
"Gentle River" almost completed the day. The "Ancient City Slickers", ( of which I am a member )
with their Kazoos, washboard, tuba and washtub bass, banjos and other assorted "music" makers
finished up the day. Irby Brown was the effervescent MC and became an honorary ACS kazoo and
washboard player after an onstage "Audition". Ernie Evans put the whole musical show together and
from the audience response it was a success.
I look forward to visiting with you all -- between the campers.
Cable Spence
President
