2021 Highlights Gallery

07
Dec

Steve Simpkins led the Bay Area Concert Band for the traditional opening concert at Mingus Park.

After a short intermission Shaymus Hanlin continued the concert accompanied by his Quartet featuring Wes Georgiev, keyboard, Liam Hathaway, bass and Michael Rodenkirch, percussion, in a series of swinging vocals and Jazz favorites from the American Songbook

The events on the History Museum Plaza stage included the following groups: Concerts under a tent on the leeward side of the museum provided a safe and enjoyable opportunity for live music from the OCMA Orchestra and friends.

<strong>The Carlos Ensemble</strong> provided the finale with an array of pop, Broadway and familiar tunes. Stephen Chong, violin; Anthony Dyer, Violin Dale Broadway, Cello; and Shelley Mathewson, Viola.

<strong>Rose Canyon Harmonie</strong> featured a reed quintet of Mike Gaby, oboe; Mark Margolies, clarinet; Steve Shields, saxophone; Robert Zelickman, bass clarinet; and Tom Schubert, our OCMA principal bassoon. <a href="#rose">Listen to some song samples below</a>.

<strong>Festival Viola Quartet</strong>: Shelley Mathewson, Brenda Liu, Cynthia Scott, and Sharon Eng, performed in the quartet, and all are members of our Festival Orchestra.

A recent visit with James and Carlos in late October showcases the facility and its unique and historical setting. Their apartment is part of the lovely campus and they enjoy its many facilities. James can be reached at 701 N. Montgomery, Apt. 55. Ojai, California. 93023. Maestro has programmed several selections from the works of Rossini, Bizet, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Ravel and Hindemith for the OCMA Orchestra concerts in 2022. We are all looking forward to a reunion together with live musical performances.

The band accompanied local vocalist Shaymus Hanlin in a big band arrangement of <em>But Not for Me</em>.

Maestro James Paul This fall James Paul joined a famous retirement community in Ojai, California, The Gables. This senior living community was founded by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, an educator and activist that started the National Retired Teachers Association that later became the AARP. Andrus led the development of NRTA’s experimental retirement community (the Gables) where retired teachers could live graciously with dignity and purpose.

Musical selections included <em>Sophistocated Ladies</em> with a featured solo by Wilbur Jensen.