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Written by Ryan Carlson
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Tuesday, 17 August 2010 18:18 |
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After the death of any great leader, there follows a time of struggle, confusion and instability. The worst part is when it's a leader so loving and so kind, that you are filled with a horrible sense of grief. Such a time is when real courage and commitment can triumph; it's a time a new era will arise. As we look forward at what's to come, we look back, reminiscing about our beloved Alexander.
Alexander Spycher was the most amazing man that I had the privilege of knowing. His selflessness and generosity showed in everything he did. His undying passion for music showed in his love for teaching music to kids. He was dedicated to hosting benefit concerts each year, as well as donating portions of our gig money to entreprenuers around the world through KIVA. He had a visionary concept of how the Green Machine was going to make the world a better place; his ambitions knew no end. We had plans to travel to Cambodia, Romania, and even Africa, putting on concerts to change the world. We will always remember the genuine, great leader that Alexander was. This journey hasn't been easy, but it has been well worth it. His dreams became our dreams, and we are determined to make those dreams a reality.
This Friday evening, August 20th, you can catch a live show of the Green Machine at Gresham Main Street Park. Join us for this free family-friendly movie night put on by Pictures in the Park.
Our next performance after that is September 25th, in Lincoln City, Oregon. This is our first time to the coast and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to play for this beach side concert. This free public event is put on by the Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau as a Summer send-off.
For Green Machine updates keep an eye on our ReverbNation website. Thank you for your loving words and kind support. Enjoy the rest of your Summer.
Thank you,
Ryan Carlson - Band Manager
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 August 2010 18:59 |
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It Might As Well Be Spring |
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Written by Ryan Carlson
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 12:59 |
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The sun is starting to shine, Winter is almost behind us and the Green Machine is moving forward. We are starting to line up some Spring and Summer performances that will be a delightful way to spend a sunny afternoon at the park or a cool Summer night in a lounge.
We had the honor of performing once again at the Lewis and Clark Montessori Charter School on March 6th. It was for their 2nd Annual "Spring for Education" Silent Auction. It was just as fun and energetic as last year. With a nice glass of red wine and amazing food by Busy Bee Catering, this event is a relaxing evening full of great music and great personalities. It's a wonderful connection we have with LCMCS and we would love to see our relationship continue into the future.
The Green Machine is also currently planning our second Green Machine Expedition to California and camping trip to the Redwood Forest. This is a tradition that we started last year when we traveled to John Day under direction of Alexander Spycher, and explored the fossil beds. The Green Machine will maintain Alexander's love for exploration, geology and the wonders of nature.
Thank you,
Ryan Carlson - Band Manager |
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Honoring Life of Alexander Spycher |
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Written by David Brown
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Sunday, 06 September 2009 14:58 |
Honoring Alexander Spycher (1987-2009)
The George Fox University community mourns the loss of Alexander David Francois Spycher, a transfer student from Mt. Hood Community College.
Alexander, 21, unexpectedly passed away around 6 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. He was living in campus housing and woke up early in the morning with chest pains and was taken to Providence Newberg Medical Center by emergency medical personnel. George Fox University President Robin Baker, Vice President of Student Life Brad Lau and other university officials were alerted and immediately went to the hospital to meet with family members.
Lau informed George Fox students and employees of Alexander's death via e-mail on Thursday morning. "Our hearts ache for his family and friends," he wrote. "Please keep them in your prayers as well as his housemates here on campus."
Because of federal privacy laws, the university does not plan to release any further medical information.
Alexander was a talented musician who studied under noted Portland woodwind instructor Joe Wimmer and had received a music scholarship to play clarinet in the George Fox Symphonic Band. He had enrolled for the fall semester and had been on campus for less than a week.
"He was really friendly and had a beautiful smile," said Pat Vandehey, the director of the George Fox Symphonic Band. "We were looking forward to getting to know him."
Alexander planned to major in either international studies or history at George Fox. After graduating from Clackamas High School in 2005, Alexander enrolled in Mt. Hood Community College. He was the band manager and alto saxophonist for the Green Machine Jazz Ensemble.
His immediate family includes his parents, Pierre and Karen Spycher; his two brothers, Johen Pierre and Nicholas; and his sister Briele.
"If I have any words of advice, I would tell you to trust yourself and your dreams, never let any person take your dreams away, for at points in your life, dreams are the only thing you will have left."
- Alexander Spycher
The university honored Alexander Thursday, Sept. 3, during a 9 p.m. worship service in the Cap and Gown Room in the Student Union Building. Attendees were given the opportunity to sign a large card that will be delivered to the Spycher family.
Memories and condolences also may be shared at the George Fox University Facebook site. |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 06 September 2009 15:04 |
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Written by Ryan Carlson
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 21:27 |
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I spent this last week in Taiwan, which was my second visit to this beautiful island. The Mount Hood Community College was invited to perform for the Lantern Festival, in celebration of the Chinese New Year. To experience their culture is so amazing and is unlike anything you'll experience in the United States. The people there are so friendly and hospitable. The food is amazing and the scenery is spectacular. I'm sure I will return once again to Taiwan, and hopefully bring the Green Machine to perform.
The Green Machine is currently creating our new demo CD. We know that our current music is outdated and sounds like a different band than what we sound like now. Our new demo recording will be out soon for your listening pleasure. On March 6th, we are performing our second time for the Lewis and Clark Montessori Charter School Silent Auction. Big things are coming for the Green Machine and we love to see your continued support. Thanks for the good times and here's to many more.
Your Green Machine Band Manager,
Ryan Carlson |
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Written by Alex Spycher
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Friday, 05 June 2009 19:05 |
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I just wanted to apologize to all our website viewers for not updating the website soon enough. The Green Machine Jazz Ensemble has some interesting things approaching this summer, most of them are secret, so you will have to wait to find out what they are. Keep watching our calendar for upcoming performances and if you have any suggestions for the Green Machine, please feel free to email the band manager. Thank You, Alexander - Band Manager |
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Last Updated on Friday, 05 June 2009 19:10 |
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