THE BIRTH OF A MUSICAL GROUP A musician gets an idea that won't go away. It's haunting. He/She is compelled to share the idea with others. A gathering of potential group members is arranges for a 'test drive.' The duo, trio, quartet, etc. get together to check things out. This is the go/no go moment. If they like what they see and hear, things will move ahead. They have just given birth to a new musical group. Now the hard work begins- selecting a name for the group, a music library, sound equipment, marketing and advertising and start-up funding sources- to name a few items. Yes, you are correct, you have also just witnessed the formation of a small new music venture. This is the story of the Polka Dots. Lorna, lifelong accordian player, wants to play music 'from the old country,' especially polkas. No groups are evident in Rowan County that play the old European style polkas. Foster is a long time Dixieland banjo player, recently turned tubaist. The two play music together at a St. Patrick's Day party, discover they have good chemistry and decide to move on. Meanwhile, Lorna begins to search for musical arrangements. Her neighbor and friend in Pinehurst is of Czech ancestry. Joe Danek plays the accordian and has played professionally with a Czech polka band for years, in New York City, during the hey-day of polka. The idea for the Polka Dots was beginning to take on a new demension. Obviously, more musicians were needed to form a band. Lorna knew John and Anne Cave. John played clarinet and Anne played the piano and sang beautifully, even in German. A meeting/audition is arranged. Again, the group finds good chemistry and interest. Anne agrees to do vocals and play guitar, so now we have a quartet. The group still needs a trumpet/cornet to play polkas. Foster knows George Hill through other musical associations. Another meeting/audition sesion is scheduled to meet and play with George. Eureka! Another winner! Now the only thing missing is a trombone or baritone/euphonium horn. George plays trumpet with a group directed by Catawba College professor Dr. Steve Etters. George talks with Steve. Steve is interested. A meeting is arranged and finds he is a perfect fit. Eureka! We now have a complete polka band. How long did the process take? About one year. How did the group get its name? Well, that's a story for another time. SO just sit back and enjoy this first official album of songs and polkas from 'the old country.'