The New Approach is a volunteer group started by Mrs. Jean Pinto 39 years ago. It started out as a group of kids singing and performing until Tim Caracio, a member, was diagnosed with cancer. He was Jean’s next door neighbor. At only 18 years old, his sudden and unexpected death left the group of kids wondering what they could do to make a difference so no one else would ever have to go through Tim’s condition again. In 38 years, the group has raised more than $350,000 dollars for Cancer Research at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center through the Tim Caracio Memorial Cancer Fund. Funded by ticket sales from our summer shows, we have been able to help make great strides in cancer research to find a cure for this terrible disease. Today, all monies received go to the Dale & Francis Hughes Cancer Center at the Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to help assist people living through various cancer treatments. Over the years the group has expanded, not only in age, but also in location. Starting out in the Slate Belt, we now have people coming to perform with the group as far away as Allentown, New York, and up 402 in the Poconos. Our members range in age from 10 up to 60. The group rehearses three days a week. (Mondays & Wednesdays from 7PM-9PM, and Sundays from 2PM-4PM as soon as school has wrapped up for the year). Click here for directions to St. Peter's Church in Wind Gap, our summer rehearsal location. We do a variety of musical numbers each year centered around a centralized theme. Under the musical direction of Jean Pinto, and assisted by Terry Toth, live music is played by a four piece band, and the group performs by singing and dancing for all musical numbers. The musical arrangements are originals, so each number can be performed, rather than just sung.
The show will be held on August 7th, 8th, and 9th at the Bangor Area Middle School Auditorium. The group usually draws audiences of approximately 500-600 members each night we perform our high energy shows. This year our theme will be centered around taking a "ROAD TRIP". The show will feature hits from the 50s up through today. Songs in the set list include:
and many others too.... As usual, there will be many surprises and a lot of interaction with the group as we perform the show. Not sure if this show is for you, well Amy Leap, staff writer of the morning call has said, "The New Approach is the most gifted group of individuals I have ever seen perform. The energy, the excitement, the uniqueness of the show, it is simply the best show in eastern PA !" Our goal is to entertain, but our hearts are here to help those in need. All work is volunteer. This extravagant show is put together with donations. None of the band members or the directors is paid for their services. All proceeds go directly to the Tim Caracio fund. In addition, there is usually no cost to members for costuming. Usually funds are donated so the group can continue without having to pay for the show "outfit" although sometimes additional props, and clothing is needed. We keep the cost to members at a minimum. After the August show, we take a couple of months off and then rehearse for a Christmas show during the months of October and November, and then perform one show to benefit the church where we rehearse, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in Plainfield Township, right outside of Wind Gap. Our rehearsal schedule is greatly reduced for that show, however everyone is encouraged to make at least one rehearsal a week. The Christmas show is the Sunday immediately after Thanksgiving and it is a fun way to kick off the Christmas season. OK, so you want to know what to do to join the group? You want to get tickets for the show? You have questions about the New Approach? Click here and email your questions. That's it.
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"Still Rock & Roll To Me" from the Billy Joel/Elton John Tribute Show "I've Loved These Days".
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