ij "MRS-YE . b g 81,51t ki').,i'iiiC,i,'iit's,'cey, -0770 “SIC r':?',, Over-The-Hi ;ijr. book of Fran , RV hum.“ n... FN “Wm Over-The-Hill Productions publishes book of Frank Woodhams' works n the words of his devol- Ied wife Betty, Frank Woodhams' music has been hidden away in a card- board box long enough. But through the efforts of a small group of Waterloo residents. these musical treasures have been found, Known as Over-The-Hill Productions, the group has brought the local compos- er's works to life through a book of songs and instru- mental pieces called "Music in the Heart". "This was a labour of love," said Herbert Johnson, Woodhams' friend and a member of Over-The-Hill productions. Throughout his career, Woodhams wrote over 70 songs, two musical dramas and a number of poems. His style of work ranged from romantic ballads to the occasional jazz and rock number. Some of the more memorable tunes included "Moonlight Tango". “Can it be the Music", "Rock Band Beat". and "Dance with Me". His work was never pub- lished, however. as music executives claimed the music was not marketable, being outside the popular styles of the times. That's why the local group of self-proclaimed stage-struck adults felt it necessary to take creative matters into their own hands. 'Music in the Heart’ BY ANDREA BAILEY Chronicle Sta}? 741-0770 "When we're all gone, his music would have disappeared," Johnson said, "We knew we had to pre- serve it somehow, and we felt this book was the best way" Johnson said Wood- hams' association with the theatrical team dates back to the early Sos when they were all regular visitors to the Rotary Wing 404 hall in Waterloo. "Frank brought us in all kinds of music and songs that we were able to work into the plot ofa small skit we were working on," Johnson said. "After that we did a sequel to the skit, and again used his songs." The 'M-year-old now lives in the Central Park Lodge long-term care facility in Kitchener, where he and his wife have chosen to spend the rest of their days togeth- er. Johnson -noted at DOI that time Woodhams are was still able to play his own music on the piano. Over the years since, however, advanced Parkinson's dis- ease has taken away most of his musical abilities. Johnson said Betty Woodhams played a large role in the publishing of the book, as she put up all ofthe money needed for typeset- ting. "We are receiving zero ANN/UH: (Hull - I [Cal/III t BilMIlrit - . "ltl _ 834-020" , A party was held Saturday introducing "Music in the Heart", a book of songs by local artist Frank Woodhams Pictured from left are Betty Woodhams. Herbert Johnson and Frank Woodhams. wn profit for the book," he said. but we had to try" ver "All of the money made Betty said she and Frank reg through sales will go back to couldnt be happier with the iis- Betty to cover what she final product. : of spent." "They've done a very Johnson said the group was a little worried about displaying Woodhams' music in a way he would want it presented. Given the fact Woodhams did not always write full piano accompaniments to his songs, the group had to add some harmonies. "The frrst thing we had to do was arrange his stuff," Johnson said. "Some are not as good as Frank would have written, "We believe it will be very appealing to older adults in the area who are likely famil- iar with Frank's work," he said. "They've done a very good job," she said of the production crew, "The book certainly brings back a lot of memories." Johnson said the group selected 18 songs they felt were most popular. Two of the numbers are piano pieces,while the other 16 are songs. The work of award-winning quilt artists Doreen Hugill and Elsie Maser is featured in a new exhibi, 1 Hugjll and Elsie Maser is featured in a new exhibi, tion at Joseph Schneider Hans Museum. Collaboration Plus: The Quilts of Doreen Hugill and Elsie Moser is a retrospective of 20 years of work punctuated by four recent collaborative quilts which have challenged and provoked fresh ideas for both quilters. Hugill and Moser have been active quilters for approximately 20 years, working on traditional and original designs, Though Moser's quilt Yellow Monday received ftrst prize at the American Quilters Association juried show in Paducah, Kentucky and the Judges' Choice Award at Canadian Quilters Association juried show in Halifax in 1995, it is their collaborative efforts that have brought them recognition both nationally and internationally. Path less Taken won prizes in Canada, the us. and Japan last year. Also included in the exhibition is their latest piece Awakening. inspired by the English landscape near Cornwall and completed just a few weeks ago. Collaboration Plus: The Quilts of Doreen Hugill and Elsie Maser continues through lune 3. On May IO at 7:30 pm. there will be an exhibit reception and an opportunity to meet the artists. Centennial senior public school students will present the musical The Agitator. April 4-6 at 7:30 pm. in the school gymnasium. The musical looks at violence in today's society and how it affects children and youth. The music is written by Bill Winkler, with lyrics by Tom McBride. Both are staff members at Centennial school, The musical has a cast of49 Grade 7 and 8 studetns. The Agitator is a student who attends a middle school in urban North America. His story is a reflection of the way today's society views violence. The students at Right Bank High are no longer satisfied with passive- ly being entertained by violence in sports, television. movies or video games, but actively seek out acts of vio- lence for their entertaiment. Throughout the story. the students at Right Bank High find that they are sur- rounded by violence disguised as entertainment. Centennial school students present The Agitator Tickets io The Agitatdr will be available at the door. Quilt artists featured at Schneider Haus Gallery