On Thursday evening, the second Tuesday of January 2012, a meeting was called at the home of Edwin Parker (then Music Pastor at CHBC and now Head of Jazz studies at Liberty University) to challenge our orchestra to think (outside the box) of ways to be an outreach in instrumental music for Colonial Heights Baptist Church and the surrounding Richmond community. On the following Thursday, a discussion between Charles Newton and Barry Wisner about starting a trombone ensemble took place while rehearsing with the Henrico Community Band, and it all began. Saturday morning from 11:00 to 1:00 was the day and time suggested. The choir room at CHBC was secured as a meeting place, Colonial Heights Baptist Church agreed to support this group, and on February 18, 2012 we had our first "get-together". After introductions and a short time to "visit" with one another, we began to play. The sound was immediately incredible and beautiful as all the trombonists were already very accomplished. We only had about 3 or 4 songs to begin when Randal Johnson unzipped his suitcase with over 100 arrangements just for trombone. Wow, what a gift! After playing for more than an hour, we took a break to conduct some business and talk about what this group would like to achieve. In the first order of business, Charles Newton was unanimously selected as Captain for our new group. The name "Bonefire" was selected as our name. We all voted to have just two rules: Rule 1. Since many of us have taught music, we need just one Captain. Charles Newton is our Captain. Rule 2. At no time when we get together are we to discuss politics!! We all agreed to continue same time and day to get together and the first day concluded. Original charter members are as follows: Mark Biddle, Paul Harper, John Houston, Randal Johnson, Charles Newton, Randall Reiss, Bam Bam Rodriguez, Bertha Rodriguez, Barry Wisner. BoneFire Representing the Richmond Concert Band on “Virginia This Morning” Members from left to right are: Emmanuel Barks, Brent Williams, Charles Newton, Mark Biddle, Randall Reiss, Bertha Rodriguez, John Turner, Barry Wisner and Randal Johnson. In May, 2012 we began rehearsing at a new location. Mark Biddle was able to secure a beautiful older building in part of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond on Brook Road. We continued rehearsing there until January of 2014 when the BTSR moved to their new location to 8040 Villa Parkway where we continue to "get-together" the 2nd and 4th Saturday morning of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM. The last Saturday in April, 2012, Lowes in Chester invited us to play for a celebration they were having. This "first gig" turned out to be very good. Many people asked where they could buy a cd! Bonefire has played many events since then. On Friday, August 17, 2012, we made it onto TELEVISION. We were asked to represent the Richmond Concert Band on the "Virginia This Morning" show. You can see and hear us playing "Bill Bailey" online at: http://wtvr.com/2012/08/17/virginia-this- morning-richmond-concert-band/ We are now comprised of many professionals, college instructors, college students, and week-end warriors. Some of our members have temporarily moved out of state and are playing in LA, New York, Texas, Kentucky, and Colorado. Our membership continues to grow with 70 plus members as of June 2017. A message from our Captain, Charles Newton: “I'm all about Personal Growth, Perfecting my Craft, & Striving for Excellence. If everyone in the ensemble does that, WE become an outstanding group!! I think we should strive to create emotions, which will make our music exciting. With this accomplished, "word of mouth", and today's marketing techniques, we can and will obtain many engagements.”