A program with an emphasis on the Baroque, and a unique exercise challenging members to name operas after hearing samples, made for an entertaining get together at the monthly meeting of the Foothills Music Club, which was held January 11 at the home of Richard and Lynn Bayley in Columbus.

The theme for this meeting was “A Few of Our Favorite Things.” Nine club members performed in small ensembles, including three that were formed by drawing names, with three members in each group.

In one trio that performed a concerto by Antonio Vivaldi, Fran Demoretcky played a wind synthesizer, which was something new for the club. A variety of other instruments, as well as voice, were represented, too, including several recorders, bassoon, flute, piano and digital harpsichord. The lives of the composers and arrangers covered a span of nearly 500 years.

Elaine Grella brought a challenge to club members by playing “25 Opera Snatches” for unaccompanied flute.

Afterward everyone was asked to write the name of the opera next to the correct composer on a list she distributed. Some were well known melodies, while others were obscure.

The goals of the Foothills Music Club are to encourage musicians to continue to practice and grow in their musicianship, and also to support young music students through the FMC Scholarship program. More information is available at foothillsmusicclub.org.

submitted by Dick Bayley