The Passing of Bruce Birnel
Jeff Buda, Director of the PebbleCreek Big Band
On June 22, family and friends said their goodbyes to Bruce Birnel. The service was held at The Sinai Mortuary in Phoenix with burial at Beth Israel Cemetery. He now lies next to the love of his life, Mimi, who passed away only one month earlier in May.
Throughout the years, Bruce’s contribution to our community has added entertainment, joy, and smiles to the faces of many of our residents. Being an accomplished musician, having earned a degree from New York’s prestigious Juilliard School of Music and a graduate degree from Columbia University, Bruce was the founder of the PebbleCreek Musicians and subsequently the PebbleCreek Big Band. Over time, this group developed into one of the finest swing/pop bands in the Phoenix area. The annual Burst of Music performances, showcased at the Renaissance Theater, were sold-out to audiences who showed their appreciation for months of rehearsals and preparation with standing ovations. In addition to his musical talents, Bruce was also the founder and moderator of the first PebbleCreek egroup.
His generous sharing of musical knowledge and talent will be a long-standing gift to The PebbleCreek Musicians and to the community at large.
Thank you, Bruce. We are so very grateful. You will live in our hearts always.
PebbleCreek Singers Begin Rehearsals
Diane Piehl
Excitement is definitely in the air as the PebbleCreek Singers begin rehearsals on Aug. 23 for their annual holiday concert. Holiday Fanfare takes to the stage beginning Wednesday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 4. There is nothing that warms the heart more than the music throughout the holiday season. The chorus will be offering up a wonderful selection of music with something for everyone and surprises along the way!
The chorus will gather to get reacquainted at a social on Aug. 22 at the Oasis Pool. While we’ve stayed connected via emails and Zoom, there is absolutely nothing better than seeing one another in person again, meeting our new members, and just being able to socialize in person!
PebbleCreek Singers has openings in the tenor, bass, and baritone sections, so if you’re a vocal fit, PebbleCreek Singers is looking for you. It’s not too late to become a part of our musical family as we gear up for the holiday season. Contact Nancy Gustafson at 623-215-3292 for more information about your place in the chorus.
Please note that PebbleCreek Singers, ShowTime, PC Players, and PebbleCreek Musicians (Big Band) form the performing arts groups in our community.
Opportunity Knocks: August
The PebbleCreek Singers: Openings for singers
There are openings in the tenor, bass, and baritone sections. If you’re a vocal fit, PebbleCreek Singers is looking for you. It’s not too late to become a part of our musical family as we gear up for the 2021 holiday season. Contact Nancy Gustafson at 623-215-3292 for more information about your place in the chorus.
ShowTime: Auditions for We’ll Sing in the Sunshine
Auditions for We’ll Sing in the Sunshine are being held Oct. 21 and Oct 22. The show will run April 4 through 9, 2022. Audition location TBA next month. Anyone interested in auditioning can contact Dave Silverstein at [email protected].
PebbleCreek Players: Auditions for M*A*S*H
Auditions for M*A*S*H will be Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Tuscany Ballroom and Thursday, Oct. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom. The show dates are March 9 through 12. The cast has 11 speaking parts for men and seven for women, plus a few non-speaking parts for both men and women. Producer Patti Wegehaupt will have the audition materials available right after Labor Day, and she can help you schedule your audition time. Contact Patti at 623-536-7233 or [email protected]. Digital copies of the full script are available from Donna Gray at [email protected].