Some Background on the Musical TREES!

• trees! began years ago

  The concept of trees as personalities in a musical is delightful! Joe began writing the musical, and met the late Ron Berringer who helped him arrange the music to the lyrics. Once the musical was written, it was a challenge to make a presentation that producers could grasp. And so Ron recorded all the music, and Joe created a 40 minute power-point presentation to help those interested understand the concept.

• ron berringer

  Without Ron, Joe's original songs would have had no melody. Ron Berringer brought the musical TREES! to life, and also brought his voice to the songs.
  Ron has passed away, and will be sorely missed.

• enter mindy simmons

  This talented songwriter and vocalist joined Joe's team when she added her vocals to the musical "TREES". Mindy heard through Ed Kinder at Blue Rock Bakery Studios about Joe's dilemna. She not only added her voice to "TREES!" as the female tree and love interest, but also did numerous children's voices.. Later, she also added her voice to some songs on Joe's CD, "Jewett City Polka". Mindy has also sadly passed away.

• the path isn't easy

  Finally, there will be a Sarasota Area Playwrights Society workshop on the musical, scheduled for February of 2020. Joe has a new collaborator, Teresa O’Connell, who has helped him finish up the songs, including recording them. Before the addition of Teresa, as Joe presented his musical to different producers interest grew, but Joe was stymied on how to spark them towards presenting the play.

• Teresa O'Connell Arrives

  Teresa O’Connell is the owner/operator of TJO Music and Consulting. A composer/arranger, professional accompanist, and private music and language arts educator, Teresa has over thirty years experience as an Indiana public school and college educator. She is passionate about teaching voice and piano to students of all ages, writing and arranging music, adjudicating music events, and working as a musical theatre director. Teresa is married to fellow music educator, Paul, and they have two beautiful daughters. Find Teresa at tjomusic@me.com.