The Netcasters returned in early May to the historic St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1753) in Romney.
You hear about babies being born in the back seats of cars, but sometimes good ideas are, too. Six months ago on the way back from singing at a church service in Romney, W. Va., a small group of vocalists and musicians that had formerly sung together decided that the there was simply too much harmony between them to let it go. With that, The Netcasters were reborn.
The ecumenical music group from the Springfield-Burke area was originally formed over 30 years ago, but this time the approach to performance has almost followed a business model. Although still comprised of all volunteers, the group has registered as an LLC, purchased its own music license, and maintains a Facebook page that has followers around the U.S. and even internationally.
Although the “cast” for each performance depends on the individual’s availabilities, the group is usually comprised of keyboard, guitars, flutes, and electric bass, as well as vocalists.
Phillip “Flip” Russell, came across The Netcasters by word of mouth when the manager of a local gas station saw his guitar-shaped key ring and told him that there was a Christian-based group that was looking for a bass player. He agreed to sit in on a practice to see if he was a good fit. “From the moment [I was introduced to the group], I considered myself a Netcaster,” Russell said. “Divine intervention in the form of a guitar-shaped key ring set a series of events in motion.”
Ether Smith, the other co-director as well as arranger for the group, regularly plays keyboard, soprano sax, and bassoon. He served for six years as the commander of an Air National Guard band and played in the television orchestra for a major U.S. city.
Specializing in gospel, contemporary Christian music, American folk standards, and “songs of yesteryear,” The Netcasters have already performed at the Greenspring Village and Paul Springs retirement communities, and the Iliff Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
At the request of Rick and Libby Hillenbrand, The Netcasters returned in early May to the historic St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1753) in Romney to present “An Afternoon With The Netcasters” on Saturday, May 3, and then led the music for the worship service the following morning. Libby had played guitar with the group for many years prior to the couple’s retirement and move to the West Virginia foothills.
The Netcasters are available to provide music for religious services, retirement homes, rehabilitation facilities, or other venues. They may be contacted at thenetcasters@gmail.com.