Thank you Mrs. Larsen. 

While I was off jousting with windmills, Beth was productive.  This is her voice on ALL of these excerpts.  Bravo and THANK you!!

So all of you out there in cyber-world, who "enjoy" my blog, AND utilize the Media pages of our website, please send a thank you email to:  [email protected]. 

Bill

Okay, seriously, its been a long while since I blogged.  I thought that you all (all 3 of you) deserved an excuse for my negligence.  I have spent the last two months creating the video above.

Before anyone raises an objection, I LOVE MY ABELL FLUTES! 

Hello everyone!

I have been missing in action lately.  No blogs in a couple of weeks.  Its not like I didn't have anything to say.  But I have been very, very busy.

About a month and a half ago, our orchestra, the Southwest Florida Symphony reached a crisis point.  There are many boring factors at play, but let it be said that, it's health required my immediate and undivided attention.  In response to a cash flow problem, I started two fund raising projects.  You can visit one at:

http://www.gofundme.com/30k-30years-30days

GoFundMe just delivered about half of the monies generated so far.  In about 6 weeks, the site has attracted over 100 donors who have given in excess of $20K.  The goal of $30K in honor of my 30 years of service to the SWFSO is in easy reach, but the pace of donating has slowed significantly.  Take a look at the page and consider giving.  As one donor, when asked why she gave, put it, "Because the music should never die."

The other was a chamber ensemble concert on 6/26/2013.  Thirteen musicians from the SWFSO donated their talent, time and energy to produce an invitation only event for potential donors.  We performed short works or single movements from larger pieces to an audience of about 35 people.  They were also wined and dined by our board members.  The performance itself was informal.  There was some banter between the audience and musicians.  As one instrumentalist said, the "moat" between us was missing. 

Our Interim Artistic Advisor, Maestro Leif Bjaland attended.  He rerouted his return trip from Venezuela to Fort Myers in order that he could stand with us.  Leif had been working with "El Systema".  He spoke eloquently about his affection for our organization, musicians, board and staff members as well as his love for music. 

Our fundraising concert brought in $28K almost immediately, with the promise of much more funds to come.  I am proud of my involvement in these two events.  Certainly the financial situation for the SWFSO has been substantially alleviated.  But the most important outcome is that the orchestra has reconnected to its audience and donor base, the musicians, staff and board are working as a unit, and we gained some necessary public relationships.

Good things are happening. 

Bill

The Roasting of Mr. Larsen at his 30th Season with the SWFSO Anniversary Dinner
February 27,  2013

By Victor Frumoff and Jillian Larson

Victor:  We have both had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Larsen for about 5 years, and one thing we have learned   
      without a doubt is-

Jillian:  He has no idea what he is talking about!

V:  Come’on Jill, he has taught us a lot!

J:  If by that you mean how to be a radical and to dissent on my government then yes, I learned a lot.

V:  Well it's not all political, what about all those great gardening tips? And he really knows how to get the most out of
      a car. Did you know his Honda has-

J&V in unison:  200,000 MILES!!

J:  But ask the man one little thing about repertoire or a piccolo fingering and suddenly it's "Let me ask Mrs. Larsen !"

V:  Yeah, speaking of which, did you notice who's not here tonight?

J:  I know! Because she has a performance tonight. Someone needs to put food on the table.

V:  Well, he is a democrat.

J:  Truth? ... I voted for Romney. - And hey! "Jill Larson, Bill Larsen," do you know how many times people think I'm
      his daughter, or his wife?

V:  Really?

J:  Yeah. There's one more reason I thank God I'm gay!

V:  Another weird thing, what's up with that wooden flute?

J:  Oh you mean his disease?

V:  Disease?

J:  Yes! Look at you!  (Victor has a wooden head joint on his flute).

V:  Oh God! It's contagious!

J:  I hope that's the only thing.

V:  All this talk about wooden flutes, gardening, and liberalism makes me think he really is kind of a hippie.

J:  If by hippie you mean a senile degenerating old man, than sure, yeah, he's a hippie.

V:  Yeah, he tends to repeat himself. If I have to hear about his severe (word deleted to protect the innocent) allergy
      one more time ...

J:  And those Diagrams! Sometimes I think he draws stuff just because he's forgotten how to use words.
      ("Impression")

V:  Which never seems to be a problem if you have ever listened to one of his voicemails.

The rest of Victor and Jillian’s roasting of Mr. Larsen was ad libbed.   It was the highlight of the evening. 

Hello everyone,

Last night, Concertmaster Reiko Niiya and I were honored for our 30 years of service to the orchestra.  We were feted at the Royal Palm Yacht Club, roasted by Emcee Todd Betz  and given an exquisite piece of glass artwork as a remembrance.  Because the event ran long, Reiko and I did not have a chance to respond.  Here is my response.