PPSNF Roundtable Discussion Night

The Professional Photographers Society of North Florida had it's monthly meeting last night. The January meeting is traditionally a "Round Table Discussion" meeting, where members can ask questions about anything related to professional photography. However, the meeting started on a somber note honoring the passing of Marie Moran, a popular member who recently lost her battle with breast cancer. After a moment of silence, she was given a long standing ovation by her peers.

There were focus groups on portraiture, wedding photography, landscape and fine arts photography, marketing, pricing and business practices, and an introduction to our new member's forum. Members (and our numerous guests) spent 20 minutes in each focus group before moving onto the next topic. Hors d'œuvre and a cash bar capped the evening with a chance to socialize after the holidays.

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TBA Big Band

TBA is the name these Jacksonville musicians have decided to call their "rehearsal band." Many of them are our areas finest music educators, and they bring an eclectic mix of big band music every other Monday night to Harmonious Monk's in Mandarin.

"Rehearsal Bands" started in New York City by musicians who were recording (usually commercials) and doing shows (Broadway type). The work was often repetitive, and they sought a creative outlet. Smaller groups were just "jam sessions," but some of the bigger groups also provided a forum for up and coming composers and writers to get their music played.

Although short a trombonist, and a drummer delayed by traffic, TBA provided a rousing performance. My Guinness was a perfect compliment to the tasty fish and chips at Harmonious Monks. The evening ended all too soon with the most interesting arrangement of Mercy Mercy I've ever heard.

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