Scott J. Kulick

I write today in regards to the vote to effectively eliminate the Virginia Commission for the Arts over the next two years. The arts are an integral part of our society, as well as our economy. According to the NEA, nonprofit arts organizations are responsible for over $166 Billion in economic activity and entrepreneurial working artists make up 1.4% of the national workforce.

While it may appear fiscally prudent to cut spending on the Arts during a time of recession, spending on the Arts gets a much better economic return for the community. Those attending Musical, Artistic and Theatrical performances also frequent restaurants and shops in the surrounding community.

Over the ten years that I have lived in Southwest Virginia, I have seen downtown Roanoke develop from a veritable ghost town to a lively metropolis, in no small part thanks to the Jefferson Center, Roanoke Symphony and the new Taubman Museum of Art. These large and publicly supported venues have helped to inspire restaurants and clubs throughout the area to put on performances of their own.

I ask you, please act to continue funding the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

After the success of our 2009 Holiday Music Performance (well, actually 2010 thanks to the weather but that’s besides the point) I have begun preparations for our Spring 2010 performance.

Students will again be broken up into small ‘bands’. Each band will get to choose, learn, rehearse and ultimately perform their repertoire.

To prepare, I have set aside a series of group rehearsal dates. Each of these rehearsals will last 1-hour and take the place of the week’s usual 30-minute lesson. A complete calendar will be posted at www.scottkulick.com/lessons, as well as at my studio in Salem.

Feel free to eMail (scott@scottkulick.com) with any questions, or leave a message at Ridenhour Music (389-6415).

Rehearsals are scheduled for the following dates:

• Tuesday March 9 @ 5-6pm or 6:30-7:30pm
  • Takes place of lessons falling on 3/3 – 3/9.
• Wednesday March 31 @ 5-6pm or 6:30-7:30pm
  • Takes place of lesson falling on 3/29 – 4/3.
• April 19-23 Individual Group Rehearsals.
  • By appointment.
• Saturday May 1  (Dress Rehearsal)
  • Takes place of lessons falling on 5/15 – 5/20.
• Saturday May 8 (Performance)
  • Takes place of lessons falling on 5/22 – 5/27.

Attendance is mandatory. Students unable to attend rehearsals and/or the performance must contact me to make other arrangements.

All dates/times are subject to change.

There will be no regularly scheduled lessons on the following dates:

• March 3-9
• March 29-April 3
• April 19-23
• May 15-27

Two sets to go for Fat Tuesday at Awful Arthurs Towers with the Big Lick Brass!

Lessons will be held as scheduled today, Tuesday February 9, 2010.

Anyone unable to attend should contact me by 2:30pm or be marked absent as per my attendance policy.

I can be reached by eMail (scott@scottkulick.com) or at Ridenhour Music in Salem (389-6415) to answer any questions.

The Big Lick Brass Band will be at Awful Arthurs (Towers Mall Location in Roanoke, VA) for Fat Tuesday February 16 2010.

So come party with SW Virginia’s very own Second Line Brass Band at Roanoke’s best Mardi Gras Party.

Music begins at 7pm.

Lessons will be held as scheduled on Sunday February 7.

Any students unable to attend due to road conditions must contact me by 11:30am on Sunday Feb. 7 or be marked absent.

Lessons have been canceled for Saturday February 6 due to weather.

Please stay tuned for updates on Sunday February 7, as well as makeup opportunities.

The VA Folk-Jazz Trio perform jazz, folk and world music tonight (Feb 3) at The Cellar in Blacksburg, VA. Music Begins @ 9pm.