Foothills Music Club Inc. celebrated the season with its December meeting program, “Christmas Cheer,” at the home of Mimi Child Traxler.
Flutist Fran Creasy and pianist Ursula Elliott, new club member, began the program with two early pieces.
“Greensleeves,” a 16th century ballad, is associated with Henry VIII, but the arranger’s crisp flute introduction adds a distinctive, modern flavor.
The musicians followed with “In dulci jubilo,” from 14th century Germany.
Ursula Elliott remained at the piano to play two popular carols from the “Jazz Up Your Christmas” collection brilliantly arranged by Lee Evans.
“He did such a nice job with these arrangements!” said Elliott after her energetic renderings of “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells” – all jazzed up.
Hostess and pianist Mimi Child Traxler accompanied vocalist and new club member Marcy Hagen in three 20th century Christmas songs: “Some Children See Him,” an Alfred Burt Carol; “The Little Road to Bethlehem,” by Michael Head and Margaret Rose; and “Mary Did You Know,” by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry.
Lyrics in each song celebrate the different attributes and accomplishments of Jesus.
Pianist Meryt Wilson concluded the program with technically challenging arrangements of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High.”
Each arrangement begins with fast-moving broken chords from which emerge the simple, familiar melodies of these favorite holiday carols.
Foothills Music Club Inc., has a long local history in the Tryon area and is devoted to encouraging musicianship among its members and in the community.
Foothills Music Club offers scholarships to young local musicians, with 2014’s auditions scheduled for March.
Interested musicians may contact their school band and choral directors, their private studio teachers in piano, voice, guitar or other instruments, or consult the club website, www.foothillsmusicclub.org
– article submitted
by Susan Hartley