ORIENTAL BAND ALZAFAR SHRINE

Volume 1, Issue 5
JULY 2013
ALZAFAR SHRINE
ORIENTAL BAND
San Antonio, Texas
Welcome Nobles all !
Thanks for visiting the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band Newsletter. This newsletter is published from time to
time so our band’s events can be recorded and shown to all. Check-in periodically to get additional news
and photos not published in the Alzafar Achbar newsletter. I hope you enjoy this issue.
Thanks for your visit !!!
The Musette Newsletter
William “Bill” Nanes
President/Music Director
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
San Antonio, Texas
210-520-0768 Home, 210-827-3596 Cell
asob.org/Alzafar-shrine-oriental-band.html
A MESSAGE FROM THE ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND PRESIDENT AND BAND DIRECTOR
Also the publisher and editor of this newsletter
As every Shriner knows, not only San Antonio, the Great State of Texas but the entire world where there is a Shriner organization,
our membership numbers are falling and many of us are becoming aged but still perform many hours of hard work to keep our
Shrine healthy. Our Children’s Hospitals rely on our hard work and dedication. I therefore support our Alzafar Shrine Divan’s plea
to visit our Blue Lodges and seek new Master Masons who want to join our Shrine. The Master Mason and his entire family will
benefit from the Brotherhood and Nobility that the Shrine provides, and most importantly, a good place for his family members to
enjoy the fraternity and all it offers in working together to support our children’s hospitals.
So while some of the Alzafar Shrine units are going “dark” for few months at this time of year, it gives us some time to think about
promotional events to bring in new Shriners. There are many individuals who want to become Masons. Look around you and seek
those who may be interested. But remember, Masonry is not sold; the rule is, “2B1-Ask-1”. Once a Master, then it is the matter of
getting their interest into the Shrine. But do not forget those who are already eligible.
And finally … I ask every new and current Shriner to come by our Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band room every Monday at 6:30 p.m.
(except when we are dark … July and December) and join us for a social before we begin our practice. We are in need of percussion
players, tom-tom (drum), cymbals, quad-drums, tambourines and other percussion instruments. We also would like to have one or
more new member(s) interested in learning to play the prime instrument; the MUSETTE (see page 3). You will be surprise how
quickly you can dominate this unusual instrument. NO EXPERENCE OR MUSIC KNOWLEDGE NESCESSARY. We have a unique
way of making YOU a PRO. But most importantly, our band members and our families have fun while enjoying our Shrine. Help us
grow this coming year and thereafter.
Thank you my Brethren and fellow Nobles.
William “Bill” Nanes
President/Music Director
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
San Antonio, Texas
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND
The purpose of the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band is to have fun doing
what we do best; playing our instruments and having fun as Shriners.
However, while we are thoroughly enjoying the activities, we are always
mindful of your most important goal of perpetuating the programs of
our Temple and the Children’s Hospitals.
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 5, July 2013
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND NEWS
THE NEXT BAND MUSIC DIRECTOR FOR 2013-2014 HAS BEEN MADE OFFICIAL !
An official election was executed and recorded and I am proud to say that the Alzafar Oriental Band members have elected me, Bill
Nanes, to serve as the band director for a second term (see next article). No idea why they would do such a thing but So Mote It Be.
As I said before, I will do the best I can to provide the best leadership possible. I will seek new membership, new line of music
never before played by our band to my knowledge, compose my own and do the best I can to guide the band to more events and
awards with the band’s cooperation and joint participation.
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND LADIES DINED
The members of the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band are preparing to strike up the music again after a short rest after TSA in Wichita Falls. But before we move
forward, it is very important to remember one of the reason we are inspired to be part of the Oriental Band; and that is our wives or a special someone if
abled to attend. Therefore, we held our July stated meeting at the Texas Land and Cattle Restaurant. There, we enjoyed a fine meal but most of all, had the
honor of having the Oriental Band Ladies join us. The evening was superb. Everyone had a pleasant time visiting with each other. It’s a no brainer … we will
do this more often. Here are some photographs taken of the event.
A poem that came somewhere I do not recall.
The Author is unknown. But it is perfect for
the Ladies of the Oriental Band.
A MASON’S WIFE
From active Masons, resolute,
From left to right, Armando Falcon and
his wife, Sylvia, Bill Nanes (No-Y-F),
Illustrious Sir, Steve Molnar, Past
Potentate and is wife, Mary.
Facing forward, Dr. Charlie
Beckmann, retired, Jim Whitehouse
(No-Y-F), Mrs. Nancy Kopcho (Tom’s
Wife), B’Linda and Richard Thompson.
From bottom right (I’ll get to the
other end … hold-on), Dwaine Smith
and his wife, Julie, Tom Kopcho and at
distance, Bobby Smith and his wife,
Patricia (better picture later).
Our wives and families we salute;
We surely know the price you pay,
Who sit alone while we're away;
No high degrees on you conferred,
In Lodge, your name is seldom heard;
You serve our cause though out of sight,
While sitting home alone tonight;
Here we have, from left to right,
Nancy Kopcho, B’Linda and Rich
Thompson.
Facing forward, Bob Smith and his wife
Patricia in conversation with Tom
Kopcho. Julie, Dwaine, Sylvia and
Armando at a distance.
From left … Steve, Mary, Mrs. Ardith
Beckmann, wife of Dr. Charlie
Beckmann, Charlie, Jim Whitehouse and
Nancy. Our super waitress at the helm.
Masonic papers list our names,
Awards are given, fit to frame;
But yours is absent...you who strive,
To keep our fortitude alive;
You're part of every helpful deed,
On your encouragement we feed;
Without your blessings, how could we,
continue acts of charity?
I named every one except Brother
Dusty, lower left, but I’ll get to him
next. Meanwhile, the Long Horn above
Jim, is Mr. UT, a friend of Bobby Smith
(Texas A&M) …. HUMOR !!! Just
kidding Brother Bobby!
At right is Brother Bobby and Patricia
Smith, Tom Kopcho, Julie and Dwaine
Smith and at a distance, Armando Falcon.
From center to left, Gladys and Robert
“Dusty” Gonzales. Next to Gladys, Rich
Thompson.
Here. Brother “Dusty” is signaling to the
Publisher at the far end that he forgot to
snap a flick of the other end of the table.
“Mia Culpa!”
And so, this poem, we dedicate,
To every Master Mason's mate;
And offer our undying love,
Rewards await in Heaven above.
And finally, facing forward, Mrs. Sylvia and Armando Falcon,
Dwaine and Julie Smith.
I apologize to Mrs. Gladys Gonzales, wife of Brother
“Dusty”. I did not get a clear zoom snap shot. Ms.
Gonzales pictured from back to picture next to Dusty
Page 2
THE MUSETTE
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 5, July 2013
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND UPCOMING EVENTS
The Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band is starting to gear up for our new season. We will have our stated meeting on Monday, August 19th. We will
begin to arrive about 5:30 p.m. and join together with a light meal brought in by various members of the band. Our stated meeting will begin
at approximately 7:00 p.m. where we will discuss several topics to include the important events below. Our band practices will resume every
Monday at 7:00 p.m. starting on August 26th. Time to have some fun while learning new tunes!
Now that our band has a parking lot island to sponsor, thanks or no thanks to the band’s president, we need to get creative
and make it look appealing.
This is a good excuse to join together with others for an outdoor social and beautify our island. We will decide our plan during
our August 19th stated meeting.
Our duties to the Alzafar Shrine does not stop at our band room door. As one of many units of our Shrine, the Oriental Band must support all
units. Therefore I ask the members of our band who can, ask one of the Shotgun Unit members how you can help with their ‘Pulling for Kids’
event, whether it is shooting or serve as a volunteer with the logistics at the event. I am sure there is something we can do to help with this
important event.
The event takes place on Saturday, August 24th at the National Shooting Complex. Read more at their website: www:pulling4kids.org
TIME FOR A PARADE BANDMEN !!!
I see a nice parade in the horizon. It’s the Kendall County Fair Parade in the beautiful city of Boerne. Our band has not
perform in a parade since the Flambeau. So ask that our band members gather together and attend this parade …
one of our favorites!
The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. I am sure the parade Marshall, ‘Dusty’, will be sending out line-up information soon. Nevertheless, I can bet
that the line-up will be at the usual location and I will try to secure one of the Shrine vans to pull our band trailer and transport some of our
early risers. I’ll probably pull out of parking lot between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.
Important note: The band trailer will not be going to Camp Alzafar if a tail-gate party is held there after the parade. If the Kendall County
Masonic Lodge or Shrine Club sponsors a tail-gate and the riders on the Shrine van (if used) agree, we will stop by for a social before
heading back to home. And by-the-way, the restaurant across the street from the line-up location is great. Many of us can be found there.
IT’S CIRCUS TIME !!
Yes … fellow band members. Here is where we all need to join together and help out the Alzafar Shrine Circus.
This year, the Shrine Circus will be held at the Joe Freeman Coliseum on September 13th thru the 15th and we have given our decision to help out again
this year. This is an important event, not only for our shrine, but for our Band. So we will include this topic during our stated meeting in August.
THREE HIGH TECH SHRINERS
Three Shriners, two younger and one aged, were sitting in a sauna.
Suddenly there was a beeping sound. One of the younger Shriner pressed his forearm and the beeping stopped. The others looked at him
questioningly. “That was my pager”, he said. “I have a microchip under the skin of my arm”.
A few minutes later, a phone rang. The second younger Shriner lifted his palm to his ear. When he finished, he explained, “That was my
mobile phone. I have a phone microchip in my hand”.
The older Shriner felt very low tech. Yet, not to be out done by the younger Shriners, he decided he just had to do something just as
impressive. He stepped out of the sauna and went to the bathroom.
The older Shriner returned within a few minutes with a piece of toilet paper hanging from his rear end. The other Shriners raised their
eyebrows and stared at him.
The older Shriner finally said, “Well … will you look at that … I’m getting a Fax!”
Page 3
THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 5, July 2013
ALZAFAR SHRINE AUDITORIUM CLEAN-UP PROJECT
Our Oriental Guide, Gary Radvanski (pictured below), launched a project he named “Spring Clean-up (even if it is summer)”. Volunteers were called out to
‘Smurf ‘ up the auditorium and the grounds. In this phase, the volunteers focused on the ground’s curbs. Since we have a huge chunk of land, our curbs were
many. But with about approximately 50 or so volunteers, we knocked it off in about four hours. We then gathered for some pit style lunch and well deserved
social.
This newsletter does not have room for everyone, so I included the members of the Oriental Band who helped and a few others pictured below. We were all
happy to answer our Oriental Guide’s call for help and will do it again if needed.
An offer to all units to claim one of the parking lot’s island in the name if their unit. I don’t know ‘bout the other units but I claim an island just West of the
Oriental Band room. I tag it with a temporary notice and will be calling a special meeting very soon to beautify our claim. The area is about 24’X40’ with
several trees for shade. A good place for a social in the Fall. So get some ideas fellow band members and let’s get our Ladies involved for they know how to
spruce things up! Let’s make our island nice.
The Illustrious Sir, Tom Young and the host and
sponsor of the Clean-up Project, Oriental Guide
Gary Radvansky. Great job Brother Gary !!!
Illustrious Sir Steve Molnar, Past Potentate, and
our host, Gary Radvansky.
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band Pres. and Music
Director, William “Bill” Nanes on the job.
For those who cannot wait to see our
Wichita Falls Trophy, here is a picture.
It’ll be in the Band Room at our Stated
Meeting, August 19th.
Robert “Dusty” on his knees (ouch!) sweating it
out to beautify our Shrine auditorium.
Now here’s Brother Rich making a “move” with
his paint roller pole.
Our Bass Drummer, Brother Dwaine Smith
showing style in his method of beating the heat
and getting the job done. Thanks Dwaine!
Brethren Bill Nanes and Dwaine Smith taking a break.
One of our Oriental Band Past Presidents,
Brother Rich Thompson in his dedication to the
Alzafar Shrine clean-up.
Brother Warren Studdard taking a visual
of his work.
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND PRES, MUSIC DIRECTOR’S FINAL WORDS “IN A NUT SHELL”
So there you have it my Brethren … the July issue of “THE MUSETTE”. We are still “Dark” but we still manage to drum up some news. I hope everyone
enjoyed reading this newsletter; more especially our web visitors. Please pass out our newsletter web site address to see the full image:
www:asob.org/alzafar-shrine-oriental-band.html
The Oriental Band well have our first stated meeting on August 19th after darkness and begin our regular band practices thereafter. I may call a special
meeting, not an officially stated in accordance with our Band By-Laws, Article V, Section 5, but more of a social to discuss what to do with our parking lot
island I claimed on behave of our band. Communication via email, phone calls, etc. are welcomed prior to get an agenda for this special event. Let’s have
some fun doing this and as mentioned before, Our Oriental Band Ladies are part of this island and our Band. I will announce the date of this event soon.
Page 4
THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 5, July 2013
Alzafar shrine oriental band
2013 Parade schedule
Note: Some scheduled parades may have been skipped by the Oriental Band but many other Alzafar Shrine units were there to participate.
DATE
PARADE
LOCATION
LINE-UP
SAT. 23 Feb
Washington Birthday
Laredo, Texas
7:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Done
SAT. 13 Apr
Strawberry Festival
Poteet, Texas
8.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
Done
SAT. 27 Apr
Fiesta Flambeau
San Antonio, Texas
5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Done
SAT. 04 May
Cornyval
Helotes, Texas
7:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Skipped
SAT. 04 May
Hobo Fest (optional)
Kirby, Texas
9:00 a.m.
10.:00 a.m. Skipped
SAT. 11 May
Bluebonnet Festival
La Vernia, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
Skipped
SAT. 25 May
Memorial Day
Bandera, Texas
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Skipped
SAT. 15 Jun.
Berges Fest
Boerne, Texas
7:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Skipped
th
START
THUR. 04 July
July 4 Jubliee (optional)
Schertz, Texas
8:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
FRI. 23 Aug
Gillespie Cty Fair (optional)
Fredericksburg, Texas
8:45 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
SAT. 31 Aug
Kendall County Fair
Boerne, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
SAT. 21 Sep
Medina County Fair
Hondo, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
SAT. 12 Oct
Peanut Festival
Floresville, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
SAT. 19 Oct
Fiesta de Amistad
Del Rio, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
SAT. 26 Oct
Kerr County Fair
Kerrville, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
SAT. 09 Nov
Veteran’s Day
San Antonio, Texas
10:00 a.m.
12:00 noon
SAT. 14 Dec
Christmas Parade
Sattler, Texas
9:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Skipped
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND BRIEF HISTORY
The original Alzafar Band was formed in 1940. However it was not formed in San Antonio but at a Shrine club in the valley
of Texas which was part of the Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio, Texas.
At a Flambeau parade in San Antonio years later a Nobel of the Alzafar Shrine asked for and received permission to form
an Oriental Band. It was announced in the Alzafar ARCHBAR publication and drew five Nobles. A meeting was held on
November 7, 1977 and the new Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band was formed.
In January 1978 at an official stated meeting, Potentate Floyd O. Schneider officially announced the new unit. At that
instance the stage curtains opened and the Nobles where treated with “Hoochie Kooch” played by the newly formed
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band.
The very first Texas All State competition for the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band was in Houston, Texas in 1978. What is
funny is that the band won this competition but was soon disqualified because someone noticed that the new band played
the wrong contest song. The tune announced during Mid-Winter in El Paso, Texas was for the following year, not this
competition. The Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band did win at Austin Texas in 1980. The rest is history.
Today the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band enjoys playing in parades and competitions. Although most of our members are
aging, they are strong as a camel. Our Musettes have been around for the longest time. No one knows for sure.
Nevertheless, they produce their unique sound at the helm of their musicians. Our percussion players are going strong as
well. We hope our new Shriners will look us over and see that we are a fun group and join our band.
So that’s it in a nut shell. Some of this information was taken in part from Oriental Band member’s handbook written back
in 1993 and again in 1997. William “Bill” Nanes, Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band, President/Music Director, 2012/2014
Page 5
THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER