Nancy Herrem
Have you ever played a musical instrument?
Do you still have your instrument, read music and play with a degree of ability?
If so, you need to talk to Bruce Birnel, founder of the PebbleCreek Musicians. Bruce formed the group in 2004 with 10 members. Since then they have grown to a membership of 25 and are always looking for, and ready to welcome, new members. They seek all instruments including pianists and keyboardists.
In the beginning the members met in the Eagle’s Nest Palm Room; in 2005 they moved to the Renaissance Theatre and in 2008 the Big Band, a Swing/Latin/Jazz band, made its debut at the first annual production of Burst of Music. Not only were they good, they were really good, and the PebbleCreek audiences asked for more. Bruce and the Band have given them more and they keep getting better and better. Even now, the seventeen members of The PebbleCreek Musicians that form the Big Band are rehearsing for this year‘s Burst of Music VIII production. The Big Band rehearsals are on Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., September through April.
There are those musicians, however, who prefer not to be in the limelight. It is possible a small non-performing ensemble might be more your style. If that is the case, Bruce can direct you (no pun intended) to small musical groups within PebbleCreek. These groups vary in size, get together on an informal basis, and play for their own enjoyment with the same goal—to make good music.
Whether you dream of playing for PebbleCreek audiences in the Big Band or just have an itch to be part of a small ensemble, Bruce will help you find your niche as part of The PebbleCreek Musicians.
There are no dues and only one business meeting per year, so your commitment to making good music is all that’s required. Bruce Birnel can be reached at 623-536-6660 or at [email protected]. Give him a call and become part of The PebbleCreek Musicians; oh yeah, tell him Elsie sent you.
Be sure you check out the Burst of Music VIII (March 26, 27 and 28) article in this issue of the PebbleCreek Post along with the February and March issues.