Today is Sunday, August 10. I can't believe that we're almost ready for this season to start! Some of the things that we've done are listed below.

Ms Keen, myself, and our "Vice President of Operations" (my wife) have planned this year's concerts. Christmas concert will be fairly "heavy duty classical" and the spring concerts will be Disney. This, of course, will come with a "change of uniform" for all of our players, as well as a couple of very special guests.

New equipment. Mr MacBenn just got a new conducting baton from the folks at Garlinger Batons.  It's pretty awesome looking.  The best part? It's LAYO colors!  I'm hoping that it will lead to an improvement in my conducting and/or health.  Thanks Garlingers!

Better health!  Mr MacBenn has worked very hard to take care of his health issues.  I'm hoping that I'm better for this year than I was for the last. 

That's all I have for now.  Thanks everyone who reads this and checks in. I know that I had, at one point, sort of messed up how/where the application for this year was posted, but I think I have that all fixed now.  Good luck to everyone!

Wow, if this is what my "time off" looks like, I don't want to see what it's supposed to be when I'm busy!   It's been a crazy busy summer!

So, we have a new assistant director, who I'm sure is going to be phenomenal.   Plus, I'm sure his presence will strengthen the relationship with some of the area schools.

Auditions are done!  I must say, I've never gone through quite so much work & deliberation.  Some people think that only the audition is the determining factor, but it's not.  As a director, I have to take into account tone, personality, how many years you've been with LAYO, all of these things contribute to where you sit.

Congratulations to all of our new people.  Here's to a positive & successful season!
 
​JM

Well, howdy, all.  I'm not too sure that anyone reads this.  BUT, if you do, we've had a lot of changes that have happened in the last several months.  Change isn't necessarily bad, but it does take some getting used to, always.  LAYO gets a new director: long time assistant Mr Joseph MacBenn, and with him, a new assistant yet to be named.  LAYO also gets a new batch of musicians, with the highest of hopes & aspirations.  The Cadet Orchestra has some new kids stepping in, and others have "graduated" up to LAYO.  Our relationship with the Lima Symphony Orchestra will grow this year, I am sure of it.  

I sincerely hope that our members/students this year take advantage of all of the different programs & opportunities offered to them, because there are a LOT.  I, though, am so thankful that I get to return and be a part of this ensemble.  I hope that I can "fill the shoes" of those who have come before me.

Yours,
​JM

The Final Concert is March 26 at 5:00pm at Lima Senior High School

The Children's Concert is March 22 in the morning at the Lima Civic Center.  

Dress Rehearsal is Tuesday, March 21 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Civic Center

Please arrive Wednesday morning by 8:30 am for the concert.  Wear your LAYO polo shirt. We will have donuts and water for you

Please invite your band/choir/orchestra to the show