oriental band alzafar shrine - Association of Shrine Oriental Bands of

Volume 1, Issue 7
OCTOBER 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, and now Na Khabar newsletters. I hope you enjoy this
issue.
The Musette Newsletter
Thanks again for your visit !!!
President/Music Director
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
San Antonio, Texas
210-520-0768 Home, 210-827-3596 Cell
www.asob.org/Alzafar-shrine-oriental-band.html
A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO OUR ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND LADIES
The Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band members, as well as all Shriners, know that our Ladies are a very important part of
our fraternity and can not function as we do for our children’s hospitals and the many events we, as Shriners, rally to
promote and raise funds without our ladies’ support and understanding.
In the past few months, several of our Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band members’ wives have been suffering with health
issues where our Brethren are needed at their side to assist in their recovery and not able to participate in our band
practices, events, parades and band stated meetings.
The Oriental Band members are praying together to the Great Architect of the Universe so that He may bring comfort
and healing to our Ladies in need and remind our Masonic Brethren that you can rely on your fellow Nobles to assist if
needed.
A Dozen Roses we offer to our Ladies of the Oriental Band. You will always be worthy of much more for your
support and willingness to give up your Shriner at times so he can be part of our fraternity to bring healing and smiles
to our Shriner’s Children. You are an important part of this process!
Most of all, we offer roses since they are a symbol of the caring, love and affection that you so well demonstrate to your
Nobel and the Alzafar Shrine and the Children we heal.
Thank you so very much and get well soon.
The Oriental Band Members
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 7, October 2013
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND NEWS
CARRY OVER FROM THE LAST MUSETTE NEWSLETTER
As reported in our last newsletter, a stone was placed on the Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band Island. It has been hot in south Texas, our band
members are taking care of their family health issues and other situations have been keeping us from improving our Alzafar Shrine Temple
parking lot Island. However, there has been some ‘all season’ plants such as Lantanas of different colors (these grow like mad with little
care) and others identified and selected. Sand, additional stones were donated and waiting to be placed. What is needed is soil, a borrowed
gas operated weed whacker and a few good bandsmen. Let the ‘Pres’ know of your interests so we can create an Island of recognition. I am
sure our Oriental Band ladies can give us their most expert ideas that we can all enjoy.
We will have a discussion on this task during our October stated meeting. Thanks
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR OUR ORIENTAL BAND
Fellow Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band Members;
Our band is nearing the time where we must nominate members of our band, then elected upon and install as our next Alzafar Shrine
Oriental Band President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and the Quarter Master. This will take place during our November Stated
Meeting being held on November 18, 2013. We have already selected and voted upon the Band Director last August. Our important decision
of who will lead the Oriental Band for 2014 is in our hands and we must search among every band member who desires to serve as such.
Noble Robert ‘Bobby’ Smith is now working on getting information from the Petroleum Club where we will again have our annual meeting.
It is important that the members gather and provide Bobby with all of the information and funds to accomplish his project as soon as
possible.
I, Bill Nanes, as the current President of the Oriental Band, have been honored to serve as the band’s primary representative for the year
2013 and I look forward to continue to serve as such for the remainder of this term with the same enthusiasm as the previous 10 months
until the next president is elected. We’ll see who that lucky devil is in November.
Another piece of information concerns upcoming parades. As we all know at this writing, the Del Rio Amistad parade was again cancelled
this year. The Hospital Charity Gala was the highlight on this day and this is understandable. It seems like these two events and perhaps
one other, collide every year with no remedy in site.
Another important note is the Kerrville parade that is scheduled for October 26th. This parade was cancelled and in lieu of the same, the
Cowboy Homecoming Parade in Pleasanton is scheduled instead. Then, the Fall Festival Parade in Devine. This parade is now on our
schedule according to our Parade Marshall. The date is Saturday, November 2nd. This parade is optional as stated by our Illustrious
Potentate during our October stated meeting. The following week, on Saturday, November 9th, we have the Veteran’s Day Parade in
downtown San Antonio. Finally the Christmas Parade in Sattler Texas; Dr. Charlie Beckmann’s favorite parade. And that is the
parade news for the remaining of 2013 as far as I know.
Meow is for softies.
How ‘bout Booo !
The Oriental Band members are reminded of our Shrine Halloween celebration. This event will be held on October 30th at 6:00 p.m.
It is desirable that we get as many members and our family members of the band to participate. We will give out treats from our East
door of the band room as usual and we are in need of decorations and fun ideas. So come along and have fun with the kiddos. The band
room will be opened at 5:00 p.m. on this date to prepare. Come by and join the fun! Your costume and family members are welcome.
So there you have it Fellow band members. We will discuss these events during our practices and stated meetings and formulize our
participation.
Bill Nanes
President 2013/Band Director 2012-2014
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
Page 2
THE MUSETTE
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 7, October 2013
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND PERFORMS AT THE
FLORESVILLE PEANUT FESTIVAL PARADE
Yep … sure did. The weather man and women in the local TV channels had it all wrong. They decided to forecast biblical rains but
instead we had a perfect City of Floresville Peanut Festival Parade. What a jubilant township it is. These folks love a parade. The
people that I met were gracious and thanked the Alzafar Shine units for participating in their celebration. I even recorded a candidate
for Masonry for cryin’ out loud. What a town!
I, as the Director of the Alzafar Shrine Band, want to thank James Pavliska of the Alzafar Director’s Staff for driving the vehicle that
pulls the Oriental Band trailer. One of the primary two Director’s Staff members who always steps forward to help the Oriental Band by
pulling our trailer. The other is Noble Walter Koehler. There have been others and we thank them all for a nice ride.
The Oriental Band also makes it known that the band is at the service of sharing our band trailer to the Honor Guard and others to
deliver them to the staging area after the parade end. We had quite a ride with these Nobles as usual as we always share a moment of
Brotherhood after the parade.
Along the parade route in down town Floresville, Texas
At parade line-up, Rich
Thompson, Bill Nanes,
Dwain Smith, Robert
Smith, Daniel (Honor
Guard member), Armando
Falcon and Tom Kopcho.
The band entertaining the
folks in Floresville.
Giving our fellow Nobles of the Honor Guard a ride
back to the staging area at the end of the route.
Other fun pictures from Foresville.
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND TOM-TOMs GETTING A FACE-LIFT
The Oriental Band’s Tom-Toms have been around for a very long time and are banged up a bit. No one seems to know when they were
purchased. However, I do know that I could not find the same type anywhere I looked and the drums I do see are not the same man-made
craftsmanship as long ago. Those that are compatible to ours are very expensive for our blood. So the next best thing is a ‘Face-Lift’!
One of the drums was taken and looked over. The skins and the hardware was eventually removed. After looking over the possiblities,
the work of removing the existing decals, painting and a little sanding was in order. Color? … Black seemed to be the logical choice to me
since it is the primary color of our uniform. And with a little glitter added to bring out some sparkle … the surgery began!
Classic but a beat-up
drum.
Interesting original
color revealed.
Looking at areas of interest and made
the decision to take off the drum
hardware and skin.
… and Whoa-Laaa!
Before applying the decal at right, the drum
was taken to the band for the member’s
approval to proceed.
Page 3
Stripped and ready
for a new life.
This design will be
drawn on a clear
decal and placed
on the drums.
First coat of black
paint
A little glitter ...
Being that the decal is clear
and the drum is glittered, the
final effect is believed to be
similar to this.
THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 7 October 2013
A MESSAGE FROM THE ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND PRESIDENT AND BAND DIRECTOR
As a reminder from the last issue of the Musette Newsletter, there are many individuals who want to become Masons. It is not sold; the
rule is, “2B1-Ask-1”. Once a Master Mason, then it is the manner of getting their interest into the Shrine. But do not forget those who
are already eligible.
Look around you and seek those who may be interested. 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 MUSETTE (I will
demonstrate one to you… nice piece). You will be surprised how quickly you can dominate this unusual, historical and antique
instrument. NO EXPERENCE OR MUSIC KNOWLEDGE NESCESSARY. We have a unique way of making YOU a PRO. But most
News ALERT … News ALERT
The Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band now has again made themselves presented by way of an article in the Na Khabar, Association of Shrine
Oriental Bands International, newsletter; Volume 85, September 2013, Number 13, after many years of absence. You can now access the
newsletter via www.asob.org. Click on ‘Newsletter’ on the left pane. Our band entry is on page 12 of the web version of this newsletter
issue. The magazine has not been mailed as of this date, Sept 25, 2013.
FORGOT MY GLASSES
Yesterday my daughter-in-law again asked why I didn't do something useful with my time.
Talking about my "doing something useful" seemed to be her favourite topic of conversation.
She was "only thinking of me" and suggested I go down to the senior center and hang out with the guys.
I did this and when she came over yesterday I decided to teach her a lesson about staying out of my business.
I told her that I had joined a parachute club.
She said, "Are you nuts? You 're almost 72 years old and you're going to start jumping out of airplanes?"
I proudly showed her that I even got a membership card.
She said to me, "Good grief, where are your glasses! This is a membership to a Prostitute Club, not a Parachute Club."
Gosh !!! I'm in trouble again, and I don't know what to do... I signed up and paid for five jumps a week," I told her.
She fainted !!
Life as a senior citizen is not getting any easier but sometimes it can be fun.
ALZAFAR SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND PRES, MUSIC DIRECTOR’S FINAL WORDS “IN A NUT SHELL”
So there you have it my Brethren … the September issue of “THE MUSETTE”. I hope everyone enjoyed reading this newsletter; more especially our web visitors. Please give our newsletter web site address to others. Thanks!!
www.asob.org/alzafar-shrine-oriental-band.html
Page 4
THE MUSETTE NEWSLETTER
Alzafar Shrine Oriental Band
William Nanes, Publisher and Editor, The Musette Newsletter
The Musette Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 7, October 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.
SAT. 13 Apr
Strawberry Festival
Poteet, Texas
8.00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
SAT. 27 Apr
Fiesta Flambeau
San Antonio, Texas
5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
SAT. 04 May
Cornyval
Helotes, Texas
7:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
SAT. 04 May
Hobo Fest (optional)
Kirby, Texas
9:00 a.m.
10.:00 a.m.
SAT. 11 May
Bluebonnet Festival
La Vernia, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
SAT. 25 May
Memorial Day
Bandera, Texas
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
SAT. 15 Jun.
Berges Fest
Boerne, Texas
7:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
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
Cowboys Homecoming
Pleasanton, Texas
8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
SAT. 2, Nov
Fall Festival
Devine, 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.
CANCELLED
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