Maestro William Scheible's 25th Anniversary Dinner

Sally and Bill Scheible

                                                                                                                                                    
William Scheible, who celebrated his 25th outstanding year as conductor and artistic director of the famed Ocean City Pops orchestra, was honored with a gala dinner and an evening of music at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point on Monday, July 25.

During the evening Bill received accolades from all who took the podium and even received the key to the city from Mayor Jay Gillian.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean City Pops, Inc., the event featured entertainment by special guest soloists, including soprano Michelle Johnson, who won the 2011 Metropolitan Opera auditions. Also appearing was baritone Steven LaBrie and Lisa and Todd Thomas.

We were entertained by some of our own Pops orchestra who played beautifully as always but also got involved with some fun antics, Steve as an uproarious stand-up comedian and other members of the orchestra dressed in Bill's jackets of many colors.

                  
Michelle Johnson                          Steven LaBrie                                                  Lisa Thomas     

                      
                                    Todd Thomas                                        "Comedian" Steve Heitzer 

                       
                      Pam Whitman, Cathy Bridge, Mark              Inna Nedorezov, Luigi Mazzocchi, Olga
                     O'Kain, Jeff in Bill's Coats of All Colors                      Konopelsky and Jeff Uhlig  
                                                                                                

The evening began with a reception at 6 pm, followed by a dinner of petite filet mignon and crab cake at 7 pm. It was a job well done by Phyllis Hoover and her committee as everyone had a wonderful, fun time.

      
        Phyllis Hoover Being Recognized
 

All pictures thanks to George Ingram

Over 200 guests helped Bill celebrate his 25th Anniversary.             Pictures

The dinner took place one day after Johnson, LaBrie and the Thomas' performed at Maestro Scheible's 25th Anniversary Concert with the Pops at the Music Pier on Sunday, July 24. This (soon-to-be-memorable) concert also showcased violinist Robyn Bollinger who performed Saint-Saens' Introduction and Rondo Capriccios.

The Friends of the Ocean City Pops is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization whose mission is to promote excellence in the programming, performance and continuing development of the Ocean City Pops orchestra.