Updated: 05 September 2007

I assume that not everyone reads the inside of the front page of the Black Rose newsletter or knows much about the inner workings of the Black Rose Acoustic Society.  Our mission, as documented in our Operations Manual, is as follows:

1. The promotion and preservation of traditional acoustic music.

2. To encourage the development and performance of traditional acoustic music in the community by providing an amateur performance venue, workshops, concerts, and any and all other appropriate means.

3. To provide education as to the history of traditional acoustic music.

4. To provide a centralized source of information regarding learning resources, instructors, performers, and events related to traditional acoustic music.

5. To publish a newsletter which focuses on information related to the above objectives and purposes.

As long time members and attendees of Black Rose events may have noticed, BRAS does many things in support of these objectives.  In addition to the Open Stage events held at the Black Forest Community Center twice a month, BRAS also does the following:

1. Provide low cost music classes to both members and non-members

2. Provide scholarships to five to 10 students (no age restrictions – young to more mature) yearly

3. Provide information on local musicians and music instructors on our web site and in our newsletter

4. Schedule four to six concerts a year showcasing leading regional and national acts.

Now, for those of you who may not be aware, our BFCC open stages are set up to allow local performers (both amateur and professional) a venue where they can perform before a unique audience (you guys) that really listens.  These open stage acts are not paid and, of course, their talent level and appeal may vary.  In fact, the only performers who are paid are the feature acts and, because of our appeal as a great venue to play, we get these acts for much less than they are really worth.

Moira, our Open Stage Bookie for the BFCC open stages, does not go out soliciting artists. These open stage acts contact the Black Rose and sign up often six months in advance for an opportunity to appear on our stage. Black Rose does not require an audition or promo material.  These are people who have the desire to perform in front of an audience and we can only hope that they are not going to embarrass themselves or Black Rose but that does occasionally happen. 

Now sometimes we have a lot of single performers and other times we have a nice mix of single performers and groups that are scheduled to play on our stage.  Some of that is just the luck of the draw based on who signs up.  We have seen that more professionals are asking for OS bookings hoping that it may lead to being invited back as a feature act. Scott Taylor is a good example of someone who has performed at BRAS Open Stages in the past and is now returning as our October 12 feature act.

Other events like Concerts, Workshops, Jams and Classes are made possible by BRAS volunteers or board members presenting an idea to the board and agreeing to take the lead in making the event happen. 

If you have any suggestions or comments on how BRAS can better serve you, the members, please let us know.  Board meetings are open to all members so if you’d like to attend one, send an email to feedback@blackroseacoustic.org and we’ll let you know when and where the next board meeting will take place.

Jerry Meinzer/Jeff Smith/Moira Theriault