Renaissance Man
The term “Renaissance Man” is defined as a person of many accomplishments.
Norman Jones epitomizes that definition.
British born, Jones is a talented vocalist, a gifted master of ceremonies – even an amateur archeologist – and will help lead the Lee County Community Band, directed by Richard Bradstreet – as emcee and vocalist in upcoming performances.
The Lee County Community Band will present A Very Merry Christmas at Cape Coral High School on Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. This annual free concert features carols, old favorites, and light classical pieces topped off by a sing-along and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
The program includes Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, March of the Toys from Victor Herbert’s Babes in Toyland, a portion of Handel’s Messiah, and O Holy Night. Additional concerts this season are set for Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 11, and April 1, 2012.
Susan Rayman, who plays the clarinet, helps publicize the band.
“He (Jones) does a wonderful job, especially in our earlier premiere performance,” Rayman said. “He adds continuity, humor and makes it a fun experience. He always gives backgrounds of the composers and of the music itself. He just ties the whole concert together nicely.”
As the master of ceremonies, he likes to use humor and more to keep the audience interested.
“I love music and I love trivia, I think people find it interesting. A little – not a lot – it is part of their lives.”
For example, he likes to use trivia on John Philip Sousa, and what he calls “one of the original snowbirds” Henry Fillmore – nephew of President Millard Fillmore. “He used to conduct a band in Miami in winter months.”
He’s been an emcee for more than 30 years.
“I got a call 32 years ago from a new conductor that said, ‘Would you introduce the numbers?’ I didn’t think I could do it,” he said.
But he does a phenomenal job, according to all, especially with his quick wit. “Laughter is a medicine – it is good for you.”
The first concert of the season was a huge success, he said.
“What a smashing audience. They came with a great depth of sincerity.”
Of the orchestra itself, he said, “We draw from all over Lee County, and all the people live with a great love of music.”
Of his diverse background, he is also an active member of the Rotary Club of North Fort Myers, past president of the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, served on the Education Committee of the Southwest Florida Symphony and has volunteered for the selection committee for The Boy Scouts of America to choose Eagle Scouts. He also enjoys being an amateur archeologist, learning more and more of that fascinating field.
“Last October, we set foot in North Fort Myers 49 years ago. We came for an adventure and decided we would stay someday.”
They’ve recently done their 59th crossing of the Atlantic.
He’s been performing all of his life, he said. As a child he listened to the BBC Northern Variety Orchestra.
“We listened to the music as a family – but to me it was the emcee who pulled together the crowd.”
His wife Betty is also active in the community, particularly in Inner Wheel – which sponsors Rotarians – and as a historian for the Presbyterian Women of Holy Trinity.
They are both elders and choir members of their church.
“I’m so proud of him,” she said. “I give him 100 percent of my support.”
For more information, visit leecountyband.org or phone Rayman at 945-2554.
Cape Coral High School is at 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd.