We are all musical family in the 20+ year proud tradition of a cappella music-making and camaraderie known as The Beachers.
The group has been cranking all year long. From learning new music right off the bat, to welcoming new members in October, to holiday gigs, to premiering a great new piece at Harmony for the Homeless… the trajectory for this year arcs toward an impressive zenith.
This is a fine time to highlight a couple of important items about the Beachers' year just so we are all on the same page. If you ever have any questions, concerns or situations to discuss, feel free to drop me an email or give me a call. My goal is always, "No surprises"... and I will always keep a sensitive eye on the balance of the Beachers commitment with the many other priorities the students have at GFA.
For those of you who are new to Beachers, you should know that I am not a GFA teacher. I work in the city for AOL as an information architect. This means I am only at GFA on rehearsal/concert evenings. Reaching out via email/phone is the most practical way to reach me. Such is life.
Email: mikec@papageno.com | Mobile: 203-610-4576 | Home: 203-371-0636
1) The Beachers Blog
This is the information website I direct to the boys that contains:
> rehearsal and performance schedule updates
> PDF and MP3 versions of arrangements
> information on "outside" concerts that might be enjoyable and beneficial for the boys to attend.
For your reference: thebeachers.blogspot.com.
The boys are reminded to visit the website and show you important entries so that dates are understood and conflicts can be avoided where possible.
2) Beachers driving together
It commonly occurs that the Beachers go places together in their cars (to get to concerts, to get food before rehearsals, etc.). Sometimes we know about it and sometimes we do not. I share the concern that safety is the #1 priority… whether passenger or driver. Please take a few moments and discuss this with your son. As it happens, I am not in a position to be able to monitor or enforce these activities as I am not with the Beachers on most occasions. You must make it very clear to your son what he can and cannot do. I will support your decisions.
3) The Zombie Jamboree -June 6th, 2009
The Zombie Jam is the long-standing traditional end of the year performance at which The Beachside Express and The Harbor Blues perform in culmination of their year's musical journey.
Please make plans to attend the 2009 Zombie Jamboree on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30pm! @ GFA!
Let me emphasize how important this show is. It is an extremely enjoyable concert, surpassing many college a cappella shows I've seen, sporting stratospheric energy levels, musical excellence/commitment, and a hefty dose of comic intervention… a truly entertaining and surprising evening for all. This is the concert reward for the tremendous individual and team efforts.
Begin telling all your relatives and friends now; the bigger the audience the better!
Please be sure your son has no other major commitments from Friday, June 5th after 2:00pm through Sunday afternoon, June 7th around 4:00pm. We have very important final closing activities that conclude that Sunday afternoon.
4) BIG Dates in 2009 - Post in a prominent place
Please make sure that your Beacher is free from outside obligations on these dates.
| Description | Date | Time | Location |
| GFA Art Exhibit Opening | Friday, March 6th | 6:30pm | Westport Art Center |
| Beachers "Brainwashing" Day | Saturday, March 7th | 10am – 4pm | GFA |
| GFA Jazz Festival | Thursday, March 12th | evening | GFA |
| Chris Waller Benefit Event | Thursday, April 2nd | 7pm | GFA |
| Variety Show | Friday, April 3rd | evening | GFA |
| GFA Student Diversity Leadership | Saturday, April 4th | during day | GFA |
| Ivy League A Cappella Concert | Saturday, April 4th | evening | St. John's, Stamford |
| GFA World Religion Symposium | Monday, April 6th | during day | GFA |
| Alumni Reunion Concert | Saturday, May 16th | afternoon | GFA |
| ?? Beachers & Blues Assembly | Tuesday, May 19th | during day | GFA |
| US Spring Concert | Tuesday, May 19th | evening | GFA |
| New Parents Reception | Thursday, May 28th | evening | GFA |
| ?? Darien Sports Shoppe | May ?? | ?? | Darien |
| ?? Tokeneke Club Opening | May ?? | ?? | Darien |
| ?? Pequot Yacht Club Event | May ?? | ?? | Southport |
| Sing-Around Day | Wednesday, June 3rd | during day | Fairfield, Darien, etc. |
| Zombie Jamboree | Saturday, June 6th | 7:30pm | GFA |
| Final Activities | Sunday, June 7th | 11am – 4pm | Angelina's, GFA |
In closing, if you would like to discuss any of the above items, or any other Beachers-related issue, feel free to drop me an email or give me a call.
Michael Costantino
Email: mikec@papageno.com | Mobile: 203-610-4576 | Home: 203-371-0636
42 Newport Place Fairfield, CT 06825
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