The costumes are packed away, the scenery is in the warehouse, the audiences are almost out of school and the young artists whose performances thrilled those audiences have all returned to their homes. While the 2006 season has officially ended for us, it is time to celebrate.

It’s almost our anniversary. Which one you may ask? Well, that depends. FBN Productions came into existence gradually. Our first performance ever –we were without a name or a prop or a costume to call our own – was in February 1993 at Spring Valley High School. It wasn’t until the school year 1996/1997 that we received tax exempt status. It’s been an exciting time, no matter when you mark the beginning and we’ve amassed a rather impressive track record, if I may be allowed to brag. FBN Productions has produced 7 operas, 4 concerts and 3 concert/lecture programs for the enjoyment of more than 165,000 children. There have been more than 50 musicians, and theatrical artisans who have contributed their talents in 500 performances. It is the young singers and theatre craftsmen that are featured in this year’s newsletter.

Though the weather is cooling outside, for young singers the audition season is just heating up, making this a time of high anxiety. The competition for summer programs, post graduate programs and roles in opera companies across the country is very high, which makes the odds of earning a living as a singer very low. Programs such as FBN Productions, Inc. provide an incredible opportunity for young singers on their way to becoming established working musicians. It’s a chance to practice one’s craft, to hone the performance skills while sharing their talents with the next generation of young audiences. We’re proud to say that many of the singers who’ve toured with FBN have continued with their performing careers, often raising families, teaching and directing choirs in addition to performing when and where they can. It’s not an easy life, but it is a very rewarding one.

We can’t tell you what happens to the children we perform for – but we have to believe that the music they’ve heard the performances they’ve seen have added a touch more humanity to their development as good citizens of the world.

Yes, this is a pitch for funds to help us keep on doing what we do. This newsletter comes but once a year, at the end of the year. FBN has only part time staff…all of us work multiple jobs, so we can’t get it mailed any sooner. And we hope we haven’t reached you before the year end giving gives out. But we hope you believe that bringing live opera, professional, quality opera, to children in the South east is as important as we do. Help us this year. Our plans include the long awaited opera camp – check the webpage in March for details – and a touring production of Amahl and the Night Visitors in collaboration with arts groups in the midland of South Carolina.