STDL • Musically Yours - December 2006 •

Random Ringers

Monday, Dec. 11

7 p.m.

Audiovisual Department

Random Ringers

For the past 15 years, the Random Ringers have performed handbell music in the north and northwest suburbs. They ring a variety of pieces, i.e; secular, popular and religious, on 4 ½ octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 3 octaves of Malmark choir chimes.

Random Ringers is not affiliated with any religious environment, but each member rings in her/his own church. Experience varies, but some have been ringing for as long as 25 years. Members hail from the Northwest suburbs and practice in Palatine each Monday night. They take pride in bringing a quality performance to each venue at which they appear. This holiday season is no exception as the 11 ringers perform old favorites as well as new pieces sure to please audiences of all ages.

This is the second year for Director Beth McFarland. She has been involved with handbells for 20 years and is currently the director of Joy Bells and a member of the Heritage Bells of UMC of Libertyville. Beth works full time and teaches piano in addition to directing the Random Ringers.

Most places in which they perform are repeat engagements. They include: DesPlaines Public Library, Luther Village in Arlington Heights, the Schaumburg Township District Library and new to the group this year - the Park Ridge Public Library. Previously they have played at many senior residential facilities in the area and always participate in the Northern Illinois Spring Rings.

This performance will mark their seventh appearance at the library.

Schaumburg Academy of Music Holiday Program

Sunday, Dec. 10

2 p.m

Audiovisual Department
Supported by Library Donations

The Consonants

Jamie Hatten Tom Skupien

The Schaumburg Academy of Music, located at 1140 South Roselle Road in Schaumburg, will present a holiday program featuring the Consonants, a choral group, Tom Skupien on guitar, Jamie Hatten and Marianne Zeh on piano, Marcus Hostetler on tuba, Timotei Sopt on trumpet, Lisa Gaslow on violin and the Taka Matsunaga String Orchestra. These performers are teachers from the school and accomplished musicians all holding degrees in music from various universities in the Illinois area.

The Schaumburg Academy of Music has a single goal of fulfilling the musical dreams of its students. The academy prepares students to perform in ensembles of any size at a level that fulfills the purpose of the instrument. It also prepares students for the examinations given by the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music, an international accrediting organization.

The founder and director of the Academy, Marianne Zeh, received her Bachelor of Music degree from DePaul University and her Master of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Ms. Zeh has been teaching music since 1965 and is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, Northwest Suburban Music Teachers Association, and the American Guild of Organists.

To My Dear STDL Friends...

It's that happy time of year again when we look around and find the world is simply glowing with joy of every kind. One of those joys is friendship, like the kind I share with all of you, a friendship that's a year-round gift. I wish you all simple pleasures, happy memories and every joy during this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Barbara Marik

Schaumburg Township District Library
and
90.9fm

WDCB Public Radio

In the past three months, the Schaumburg Township District Library partnered with WDCB in presenting an outstanding lineup of performers. Our last program took place on Nov. 6 for the Fall Jazz Series and was a fantastic success. We were delighted with the number of people interested in attending this jazz series. So many, in fact, that there was standing room only! Once again, my heartfelt thanks to Ken Scott, Marketing Director at WDCB, for working so laboriously to pull together three months of fantastic entertainers. Thanks also goes out to our audience, who truly seemed to enjoy these performances. We hope to continue on with this same venue next fall.

Movies at STDL

Are you looking for variety in movie viewing? Come to the Schaumburg Township District Library. Coming soon to our AV department is a new 120-inch movie screen along with surround sound. You won't want to miss this type of theatre viewing. Join this friendly group and get in on all the fun. After the movie, you will receive a bag of microwave popcorn and the best thing is - it's all free! Check out these hours.

During December, the Audiovisual Department will exhibit feature films on:
Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Thursdays at 2 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m.

In addition to the times listed above, the AV Department will exhibit a special showing of holiday movies during the two weeks when schools are closed. Children age 8 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. No fee or registration required. Please join us at 2 p.m. on the following days. December 18, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29. For additional information, contact the Audiovisual Department Information Desk at (847) 923-3182.

Aldrin Handbell Ensemble
Monday, Jan. 29
7 p.m.
Audiovisual Department

The Aldrin Handbell Ensemble is entering its sixth year of performing. It came into existence with the gift of a two octave set of handchimes from former Principal of Aldrin School, Mr. Lee Cook. More chimes were donated by the school store and retiring faculty and staff. The handchime ensemble became a handbell ensemble this year with the use of rented handbells. This group is really three ensembles in one - two sixth grade ensembles and an alumni group made up of advanced sixth graders and junior high students. They perform regularly in the Schaumburg area at school functions, touring other elementary schools, retirement homes, handbell festivals and School District events such as the Best of 54 Expo. This April they will join 150 other ringers at the Youth Handbell Festival sponsored by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers in Mundelein, Illinois. The Ensemble is directed by Kay Sutton, music teacher at Aldrin School. Ms. Sutton has directed handbell groups of all ages and has attended AGEHR national festivals in Norfolk, VA and Dallas, TX. She received her handbell training from Karl Kay of the Agape Ringers.

Town Square Concerts - 2007

Time passes quickly in December and next month will be here before you know it. As promised, a listing of our Big Band Concert Series will be made public in January. The roster for 2007 is complete and will include a men's A Cappella choral group and 10 big bands. Some of the bands will return due to popular demand. Please start marking your calendars. The summer concert series begins June 4 and will continue on through Aug. 13. You won't want to miss any of these great performances.

As food is to the body, it is the arts that nourish the soul.

Audiovisual Department

Jazzmin
Ron Koules - Saxophone
Sam DiCesare - Vibraphone
Bob Villwock - Piano
Mike Maratea - Bass

Jazzmin was born in the late 90s when three Chicagoland musicians mutually decided they needed a more avant-garde venue to play their improvisational music – something musically above and beyond the regular all-occasion gigs. Their quasi-unique music approach today is characterized by wide-open improv, an amazing synergy of performance and creative, interwoven melodic lines. All that remained before their first gig was to appropriately name the group. This task was taken on by Ron Koules. They have continued to grow musically over the years since their inception and look forward to what the future brings.

Ron Koules has played the alto saxophone for 50 years with a focus on improvisational jazz for the last 10. His education includes degrees from DePauw University , Northern Illinois University and Northwestern University . He has worked as a teacher and as an actor. He lives on the shores of a lovely lake with his wife, Carol.

Sam DiCesare enjoys playing jazz on the vibraphone, heavily influenced by Gary Burton and Milt Jackson. He additionally plays drums semi-professionally in the Chicago area. Sam’s day gig is computer engineering. He currently resides in the Northwest suburbs.

Bob Villwock is a retired chemist who plays Kurzweil, Ensoniq and Roland keyboards with considerable style and enthusiasm. He is very much at home in a bop, jazz and blues combo and names Brubeck, Monk and Silver as his primary influences. Born in Chicago , he and his wife, Maxine, currently reside in the Fox River Valley .

Mike Maratea has 35 years experience performing in jazz, blues, swing,and rock bands ranging in size from duo to big band at venues including The Kentucky Derby, House of Blues and Taste of Chicago, as well as performances in other major U.S. cities.

Branch Out to the Movies!

Our Hoffman Estates and Hanover Park branch libraries have joined the central library in showing feature films. Families are welcome to spend an evening or afternoon at the movies. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Hanover Park Branch: Tuesdays at

6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Hoffman Estates Branch:
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.



Movie titles are available by calling the library at the following phone numbers:

Central Library- Audiovisual Department:  (847)923-3182

Hoffman Estates Branch: (847) 885-3511

Hanover Park Branch: (630)372-7800

WDCB is a non-commercial, public radio station broadcasting continuously to northeastern Illinois. The station is known for its diverse music programming: jazz, folk, reggae, world, classical and my favorite, "Midwest Ballroom," hosted by John Russell Ghrist, which is in its sixth year. It is heard Saturdays at 5 p.m. over 90.9 FM WDCB in digital HD and features Chicago area big bands and musicians. The station is owned by the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL and can be heard throughout Chicago and the suburbs, as well as on the Internet by going to www.WDCB.org. Listeners ma y contact John Russell Ghrist at P.O. Box 1073 Dundee, Il. 60118 or via e-mail at midwestballroom@yahoo.com. Additional information on upcoming music events and dances can be found at www.yorkvillebigband.com.

Midwest Ballroom Schedule for December 2006

12-2-06: Big Band Medleys-A collection of big band tunes in medley style, perfect for dancing or listening. This is our favorite monthly feature because it allows the show to play a lot of good music in a short period of time. National as well as local big band medleys are included.

12-9-06: War Songs-A collection of tunes popular during WWI and WWII.

Many songs were popular only during the war years and have been forgotten by many except those who experienced those periods in history. We will bring back some special musical memories with this show.

12-16-06: Local Jazz Greats-Local jazz musicians play light jazz favorites. You don't have to like jazz to enjoy this show. There are many small jazz groups around the Chicago area that play dance and listenable favorites. We have two hours of great music lined up. The tunes also make a nice audio backdrop for dinner.

12-23-06: Annual Christmas Program-Local bands play holiday favorites.

We save all our Christmas music for one show. Area orchestras and local singers will take this opportunity to wish you their best for the holiday season in song.

12-30-06: New Year's Dance Party-Plenty of dance music to ring in the new year, played by local and national orchestras. Years ago, stations offered their own New Year's Dance Parties. We'll keep the audience on the dance floor for the entire two hours with many memorable tunes, concluding with Guy Lombardo at the end of the show. It will be an early evening version of New Year's Eve. Sorry no champaign.

Musically Yours,