oriental band alzafar shrine - Association of Shrine Oriental Bands of

Volume 1, Issue 4
JUNE 2013
ALZAFAR SHRINE
ORIENTAL BAND
San Antonio, Texas
Welcome Nobles all !
Thanks for visiting the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band Newsletter. The main goal of this simple newsletter is
to provide those who visit our site with news and events involving our Alzafar Oriental Band. So lets get
going!
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
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND NEWS
One of the most fun event our band members really enjoy are the parades. While we have quite a few to participate in, our most favorite and
the largest is the San Antonio Flambeau. There are two parades during the San Antonio Fiesta celebrations, Battle of Flowers and Flambeau
(aka “Night Parade). We like the latter since it is held in the evening and we are positioned in the vanguard and are done just before night
fall. Therefore there are no required generated lights on our trailer or any other Shrine entry.
We did get some light showers before we started, but that did not seem to scare the thousands of folks who lined the parade route. However,
after our Shrine were done and packed up, a strong storm rolled in and for first time in many, many years. The Boo-Hoos were heard for
several miles from those parade participates that didn’t even start. Here are some scenes along the parade route taken from our band trailer.
Alzafar Shrine Divans
Scene from just after the start
Our band wagon at the staging
area under the bridge protected
from the rain.
The band wagon ready to
roll out. And no … the
band leader is not asleep
And the crowd got larger ...
A little wet at start but okay
later. Then the big rain came
after the Shrine were done.
… and larger !!
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND
The purpose of the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band is to have fun doing
what we do best; playing and marching. 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 4, June 2013
IT IS ELECTION TIME FOR THE NEXT BAND MUSIC DIRECTOR
Yep … just after our TSA ceremonial in June, the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band selects its new band leader for the next year. The actual
effective duties, however, does not take place until January of the following year. I have no idea why we do this in June but this is the way
it’s been done and it is in our band’s by-laws.
And NOW … to announce the next Music Director ... DRUM ROLL PLEASE !!! CYMBAL CRASH !!!
Yep … it’s me again, Bill
As always, 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.
2013 TEXAS SHRINER ASSOCIATION CEREMONIAL
Wichita Falls, Texas
Well … the State Oriental Band competition is over and the results are in. Our band gathered all the members available to travel and entered in the small band
category (9 members or less). Some of our members are in their 80’s but still have that spirit to travel far and wide to support the band and I honor that. This year
bandsmen were Bobby Smith, Steve Molnar, Walter Garms, Charlie Beckmann, Rich Thompson, Tom Kopcho, Bill Nanes and our newest member, Dwaine
Smith.
Here are the results: Concert - - - - - Arabia 234, Alzafar - 238 - First Prize Concert went to Alzafar
Showmanship - Arabia 251, Alzafar - 229 - First Prize Showmanship went to Arabia
Overall - - - - - - Arabia 485, Alzafar - 467 - State Championship Flag goes to Arabia
A new program is already in the works and we will attempt to bring home more trophies and if I am not mistaking, we travel to Garland (Dallas). So see ya there !!
Weatherizing before our trip to the
competition
There is an audience. Just on the
opposite of the arena in front of the
bands competing.
Step-off moment!
Okay guys … time to get into a half
circle. Come on ...Come on ! ZZzzzz
Our band on a roll. You go Bobby Smith !
(4th from right)
Alright !!! Made the half circle. Now
we’re in business !!! Photo by Art Loera
Dang … what a
head-ache!!
Glad this is over.
Rich Thompson
Photo by Art Loera
Just a bunch of Shriners having fun
The Alzafar Shrine Divans presenting
our awards at our stated meeting.
Photo by Art Loera
Page 2
THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 4, June 2013
2013 TEXAS SHRINER ASSOCIATION CEREMONIAL
Meet some of our friends of the Texas Shriner’s Oriental Band. What a supper group of fellas. It’s all for entertainment and to support our fraternity. But most
importantly, to support the Shriners Children’s Hospitals. I sure wish there is some way for some children who are able can join the audience and enjoy the
competition. Perhaps some day.
Here are some pictures of our Oriental Band friends. Photos taken by our Alzafar Shrine photographer, Bother and Nobel Art Loera.
Small Band Class
Small Band Class
Arabia Shrine, Houston
2nd place concert
1st place showmanship
Overall State Champs
Alzafar Shrine, San Antonio
1st place concert
2nd place showmanship
Unlimited Band Class
Khiva Shrine, Amarillo
1st place concert
1st place showmanship
Overall State Champs
Medium Band Class
Sharon Shrine, Tyler
1st place concert
1st place showmanship
Overall State Champs
Unlimited Band Class
Moslah Shrine, Ft. Worth
2nd place concert
2nd place showmanship
Class of her own!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ! We had a great time in Wichita Falls and will see each other again next year. Some of us will meet during Mid-Winter.
A MESSAGE FROM THE ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND PRESIDENT AND BAND DIRECTOR
Also the publisher 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 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. 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. 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 two or three new members interested in learning to play the prime instrument; the MUSETTE. 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
Page 3
THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 4, June 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.
Done
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.
Done
SAT. 25 May
Memorial Day
Bandera, Texas
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Done
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.
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
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THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER