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A message from the Hot Springs Concert Band...It's hard to believe, but 2021 is almost a memory – or I should say many memories. For the Hot Springs Concert Band, that is certainly true because of you folks throughout our communities who have chosen to be a part of our concerts and our sustenance. This past year saw us play fewer concerts than usual, but it also saw us being blessed with tremendous attendance and generosity in the five concerts we were able to play, and during what is still trying times for many people. Again, we thank Fountain Lake School for allowing the band to rehearse and play four concerts on their campus this year. And for the band to return to the Woodlands Auditorium for our Christmas concert was like coming home for Christmas after two years and too long away. The band played to a nearly sold out house on Thursday, December 9. It was a tremendous evening of music, camaraderie and joy of the season shared among the band and with the audience. It was also great to again be a part of the amazing charitable work of the concert's regular sponsor, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Hot Springs Village. The concert also reminded us of how blessed we are and how much we have to be thankful for. Thank you Dr. Craig Hamilton for your continued leadership, which drives the band to be as good as we can be, and for your humor, which always brightens up our lives and our concerts. And thank you to Maestro Phillip Wilson for directing us in your special arrangement of "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing." A hearty thank you also goes out to Harvey McIntyre, who was honored for his more than 30 years of service to the band. Without Harvey there would likely be no Hot Springs Concert Band as we know it today and certainly no New Horizons Band of Hot Springs, which he established. Two of our recently deceased band family were also honored at the concert, Norm Morton and Ron Hullet. Rest in peace gentlemen, and thank you for your many years of making music with us and for your love of the band. Your chairs are now vacant, but no one will ever be able to fill them or take your place beyond. Yours will remain among our treasured memories. In looking ahead to 2022, the Hot Springs Concert Band will begin its 47th season with its Mid-Winter Concert on Sunday, February 20, at 3 p.m. in the Woodlands Auditorium in Hot Springs Village. We hope you will place this date on your calendar and plan on joining us. Until then, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and blessed 2022. |
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