THE SENIOR MEN'S CLUB OF NEW CANAAN
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 25, 2008
President Dick DePatie opened meeting with 82 members present. Membership is 482.
Minister of Health Bob Moylan reported that George Herhold is at Norwalk Hospital. Jack Montmeat died Monday. Memorial donations may be made to CCU and Hospice at Norwalk Hospital.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Cathy Fitzpatrick of New Canaan Red Cross explained her group needs volunteer drivers to drive N.C. residents who are unable to get to their medical appointments. SMC members can reach her for details at 966.1663. Jerry Transue agreed to assist Paul Stein with SMC Membership. Paul Strassmann celebrated his 80th birthday this week and Chauncey Page celebrated 90th birthday this month.
ACTIVITIES: Bridge, Racquetball, Paddle as usual. Amateur Chefs meet Thurs/21st at 11am. 4F's will lunch at DiNardo's in Scott's Corner today. Photographers meet 02-11th at 1:30pm/Lapham. Skyblazers meet on 2-25th/Lapham.
COUTH: NY Philharmonic/Tavern on the Green trip departing at 8AM!!! Wed, 30th. No February trip. Lord of the Dance trip to Stamford set for Friday/Mar 14. Special tour of Philip Johnson Glass House is April 30th. See Pete Stair at next Fri/04th meeting to sign-up for tour.
HUMORIST: George Perkins told joke about how a pharmacist, having the worst day of his life, told woman over the phone, the complete written instructions for using a rectal thermometer.
SPEAKER: Vice President Roger Rothballer introduced Dianne Wittry, Music Director of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra since 2002. Considered to be one of the world's best women conductors, her new book, "Beyond the Baton" received a Pulitzer Prize nomination in 2007. The book was written to provide an inside view of the Music Director, and how the role of conducting has changed over the years.. Conductors are trained well how to conduct, but get little training on how to be Music Directors. They also do not know how to prepare resumes for jobs (Diane started National Conducting Seminar last summer that was praised and got Norwalk Symphony recognition). The Director is not only an artistic leader but must create a whole view of enthusiasm and artistic vision for what the orchestra really is and brings to the community. The arts create in U.S. over $30B of revenue (only about $4B invested). The purchase of a concert ticket has a ripple effect within the community, and regions. Dianne discussed how she creates artistic programs. She understands that some people attend concerts because their spouse insists, others because it is relaxing or to hear just one piece, age difference preferences, etc. There are orchestra and guest artist considerations (unionized and every person is paid, including rehearsals). Sometimes selections may require more strings, thus budget considerations. It is important to select a program that not only has something for everyone, but works artistically. Diane is helping to spotlight outstanding young musicians in our community. They are treated as professionals and get feel of what it is like to be a professional. NSO has 5 concerts annually. Dianne believes there is great opportunity to create a summer series in area. Regarding competition with Stamford-Ridgefield-Bridgeport Symphony orchestras, her program schedules do consider that some local musicians that she works with, may be booked there. She believes the region can benefit from the symphonies being more collaborative. Interesting to note, women were not allowed to get advanced degrees in conducting until the sixties. And, all musicians are required to stand behind a screen during auditions (conductors do not). The system works, allowing judges to concentrate on sound. Orchestras are ranked just like baseball teams (done by budget size . . . A level, B level, etc).
SMC members given voucher for two (2) complimentary tickets, good anytime this season. Members that did not receive voucher should call 203 847-8844. Members also invited to attend "open rehearsals" anytime . . . just come any Friday night before the scheduled concert date. It is fun, and you will get into the spirit of things, learning what goes on behind the scenes.
Bob Williams, Asst. Secretary