March 3 , 2010

Noon - 1 PM

Steinway Piano Gallery of Milwaukee

Al's Happy Notes

This Ensemble began in 2000 at a local Milwaukee Church, where Al Gorecki was an usher, and Fran Henkel, an organist.  They had collaborated on special music for Christmas and worked well together.  Al mentioned that he would like to start a musical combo.  He asked Fran if she were interested.  She was, and between them, they found the other four members.  Marie Geldner (violin), Richard Regent (clarinet), Anne Marquardt (flute) and Susan Janke (cello).  After several years, Marie and Richard left the ensemble for health reasons, and Mary Stetson (violin) and Jeanne Leland (clarinet) replaced them.

Al's Happy Notes has always been a congenial, collegial group, and the "HAPPY" in their name suggests not only their method of working together, but their choice of music which they play.  Their repertoire consists of light classics, folk tunes from various countries, late 19th and early 20th century popular songs, show tunes, waltzes, and other dance tunes.  They customize their music to the occasion.  They often entertain at local retirement centers, birthday parties, and anniversaries.