Tuesday, July 3, 2012

John Baker Now at Southeastern Performance Apparel

John Baker, at Southeastern Performance Apparel, awaiting your call......
 
I recently retired after 27 years as Choral Director at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama.
During my time as music educator I taught Concert Choir, Women's & Men's Choir as well as Show Choir.  Our groups at Enterprise High School had the privilege of performing at two regional ACDA conventions, the White House as well as six over-seas tours.
 
Throughout my teaching career I realized one of my most difficult tasks was to out-fit our musicians.  Since 1985 I have been working with Southeastern Performance Apparel to accomplish that daunting task.
 
Southeastern Performance Apparel offers the finest in formal concert wear for choir, concert band and orchestra as well as an exciting line of Sensations Show Choir Apparel.
 
Having recently joined the Southeastern Performance Apparel Team I look forward to helping you select appropriate apparel for your performing concert choir, band, orchestra or show choir.  Call or email me if I can help you in any way.
 
John Baker
Sales Consultant & Music Specialist
(334)475-0507
 
 

John Baker Reports on Show Choir Camps of America

A Clinician's View on Show Choir Camps of America

The camp was held on the campus of Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois June 17th - 23rd, 2012 with over 700 students and 100 teachers and choral directors from across the country attending.  This was a record setting year for Show Choir Camps of America where attendance was concerned.

The students were divided into 10 groups.  Each, lead by a nationally recognized choral director and choreographer, learned a complete show including four songs.  Each song was choreographed and accompanied by a show choir band comprised of professional musicians.  Students had the opportunity to audition for Dance Ensembles or Jazz Choir.

Talent shows were performed - one by both teachers & staff; another by 20 of the most gifted students attending.  Several students were offered $10,000 scholarships to Millikin University.

One of the highlights of the week was the performance of Broadway star, Robert Bohmer.  Mr. Bohmer starred in Scarlet Pimpernel, Ragtime and Phantom of the Opera where he played the role of the Phantom.

Students chose one daily workshop to attend which ranged from How to Audition, Hip Hop Dance Class, Tricks and Lifts, How to Read Music to Motivational Techniques, How to be a Good Solo Singer and Future Music Teachers of America.

Teachers also attended classes where they reviewed new music and heard from some of the leading choral musicians in the country.

Each group performed their show to a packed auditorium on the last day of the week.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Getting Extra Buck to Give Your Group the Extra Bang


You want your performance to be as spectacular as your group; however, budget cuts have reduced your funding while costs have remained the same.   Here are some ideas to help during this difficult time: 



1.    Sponsors.  Businesses or individuals may want to help defray some of your choir’s expenses even if they have no ties to the choir itself.  Music reaches out to many people and your sound may appeal to them and their generosity.

2.     Go green.  Lots of businesses, organizations and individuals are focusing on “going green”.  The traditional methods of collecting cans, bottles, paper and even clothes may not bring in a lot of money but, your group will get 100% of the profits.  A new trend for fundraising is collecting old cell phones, ink jet cartridges, laser cartridges, MP3 players, laptops and other small appliances.  These items can be worth $0.50 to $300.  There are several sites that deal with eco recycling fundraising but here are a few that deal with recyclable fundraising for schools and nonprofit groups:

a.   www.fundingfactory.com  & www.recyclingfundraiser.com – deal with cell phones, cartridges and small electronics

b.     www.fundraisingweb.org – a directory of fundraising companies to assist you along with fundraising ideas and products

3.  Gift cards.  Purchase the cards for $10 and sell them for $20.  Cards purchased on www.restaurant.com  can be redeemed at restaurants nationwide. 

4.     Discount cards.  This is a high profit way to earn money.  It takes a little leg work at first to get businesses to participate but it’s worth the effort.  The cards cost an average of $1 - $3 and are usually sold for $10 each.  You get to design both the front and back of the card.  For more information visit www.fasttrackfundraising.com.



Hopefully these options sparked some helpful ideas for your group.  Put the same effort and enthusiasm into your creative fundraising that you have in performing and you are sure to do well.