Calling all musical Realtors! Two real estate industry leaders are putting together "The Closing Statement," an all-Realtor big band which will be available to play at national conventions across the country. The Closing Statement will feature vocals and a variety of music including big band, jazz, and Broadway tunes.

Rolf Anderson and Rod McIntyre have the dream of a creative outlet for fellow Realtors that will also promote the Realtor trademark, encourage attendance at industry conventions and special events, and be fun for band members as well as those on the dance floor listening.

"It was our intent to organize a 30-40-piece musical, song and dance band made up entirely of Realtors from around the country," says Anderson. " Not just the musicians themselves, but the entire entourage necessary to produce a show."

Anderson is a third-generation Realtor, worked 20 years a broker/owner, and is a nationally known speaker on the subject of technology. He has played the guitar for 35 years. McIntyre is the current Education Director of the Kansas Association of Realtors, and he holds a PHD in Percussion and Music Education. He has played with celebrities such as Bob Hope, and has over 20 years experience as a professional musician, director and educator.

Anderson says that he and McIntyre believe that:

• Realtors are a wide, diverse group with many talents besides promoting and marketing property.
• Realtors want a way to promote their profession yet want to continue to grow their other cultural interests such as music.
• An all-Realtor band would promote attendance to NAR events by band members, their families and supportive state association members.
• An all-Realtor big band is fun!

"We would love to have an affiliation with the National Association of Realtors," says McIntyre, "We believe it can be a win-win situation with a PR opportunity for the association and a way for it’s members to use their “other” talents to have fun, promote the name Realtor and reaffirm that we are a very important part of communities across the country."

"Our initial e-mail test mailing about three years ago found 40 individuals who are full-time Realtors but are also still musically "gigging," says Anderson.

Dr. McIntyre says he has already put together a Kansas all-Realtor band that has played at the last two state conventions, that he hopes will serve as a model for other state conventions.

Also in their favor, the "Closing Statement," already has its first gig booked. The Closing Statement is scheduled to play for the CRS Reception night, on Wednesday, November 6th for the New Orleans NAR convention. NAR leaders will also be invited to hear the band.

"We are still in need of 3-4 individuals who play trumpet, trombone and sax," says Anderson, who has put up a Web page on his site to encourage applicants. "- Realtors who are also musicians with a "high" level of skill on their instruments. Ultimately, we will need additional help from non-musical Realtors for things such as lighting and sound help, etc."

Meanwhile the pair will also try to raise funds to produce the shows.

"Private funding from sponsors will create a workable budget to produce a first-class musical organization of real estate professionals," says Anderson. "Practice sessions and performances will occur during association events with members paying for all expenses and their instruments. Expenses could include rental of some instruments, room rental, marketing and sound and light equipment."

"We'll try to have an informational and organizational meeting for those who want to participate in the future, at the November NAR meetings," says Anderson.

"This would not be an official concert, but more a first practice that could be attended by any conference attendee," says McIntyre.

"The CRS gig will be a premier performance," promises Anderson.

For more information on joining the band, providing non-musical support, or offering a sponsorship, please contact Rolf Anderson, CRS, at 800-304-6756 or e-mail him at rolfanderson.com, or contact Rod McIntyre at 785-267-3610 or e-mail him at rmcintyre@kansasrealtor.com.

Published: August 9, 2002

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