2012 International Symphonic Band

European Symphonic Band Members:

As we get into the holiday season, I wanted to send another message to you expressing the excitement I feel about you and the band.  Every time I think about the things we will accomplish in Europe, not only to the enjoyment you will feel but also to the enjoyment that our listeners will have, adds to the anticipation of the journey

I wish to encourage all of you to keep practicing so we can get through the music faster at our next rehearsal.  I have narrowed the list of music to practice to make it easier for you.  Here is the list to practice:

Emperata Overture
A Little Tango Music
On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss
Amazing Grace
Stars and Stripes
On the Mall
Hosts of Freedom
Pirates of the Caribbean
Phantom of the Opera
Flutation

In April at our next rehearsal you will receive this new music:
Symphonic Overture
Redlands March
Windsong
Sound of Music

Do not practice the Chorale and Shaker Dance II that is now in the folder.  We are going to use a different arrangement which you will again receive in April.  The music in your folders that we are not going to use will be collected later so don't waste time practicing them.

Please have a wonderful Christmas and stay excited about the great things to come.

Sincerely,

George Fetter
(Mr G)

Please have a wonderful Christmas

George Fetter, Musical Director

Mr. George Fetter received his bachelor and master’s degrees in music education from Wayne State University.  Later, he studied conducting at the Eastman School of Music and at the Tanglewood Music Center under Erich Leinsdorf.  Mr. Fetter also did post-graduate studies at The University of Michigan.  Mr. Fetter was director of bands at Waterford Kettering High School and later became Director of School Services at the Marshall Music Company.  He has played trumpet in professional orchestras and dance bands throughout Michigan.  He has appeared as a guest soloist and conductor with many high school and adult groups.  He currently is an active adjudicator for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA).  Mr. Fetter has also served as vice president for MSBOA at the state level and president at the district level. 

Mr. Fetter began his relationship with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp when the camp was in its early years.  As a high school band director, he sent many of his students to attend BLFAC and international program tours.  He managed the Marshall Music Company massive scholarship program for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, in which thousands of scholarships were awarded to deserving students.  After his retirement in 2008, Mr. Fetter became a scholarship representative for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.  In 2009 and 2010, he directed concert bands at the middle school sessions, where his groups received warm responses from the audiences.  In 2011, Mr. Fetter was appointed director of the BLFAC Session II high school wind ensemble.  2012 will mark his first tour with the Blue Lake International Northern Winds.