Bassoon It Will Be Christmas ...

Yes, that terrible pun was part of the evening's performance last night by the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. But the music was fun ... interweaving the undersung (or underplayed) bassoon into some lovely Christmas carols. I'd never been to this particular concert ... for one thing, it's very family driven and Rob and I are generally a twosome (but perhaps we'll have Sabrina or Rory with us some future year!). But we've been missing out ... about 75 very young Suzuki students ... made tears come to my eyes. And excerpts from the Nutcracker definitely reminded me of Becky's many years in ballet ... 

But as I sat listening and thinking (because really ... is there a better time to think than when surrounded by music?) ... I thought that my life has definitely come full circle. Although we had little-to-no money when growing up, both my parents encouraged us to enjoy music ... of all kinds, even symphonies! My dad loved opera ... and my brother Scott carries on that tradition. (He also loved the twangiest of Country Western music ... which I know I've mentioned ... and while we don't necessary enjoy the twang, all of us enjoy C/W!) 

I was also introduced to music ... composers ... by our valiant music teacher at Hawthorne ... whom I've also mentioned previously: Mr. Volin. I wish he knew what a profound reach he actually had on some of us. 

When I was in the 6th grade, we had a chanced to buy a season pass for next-to-nothing to attend the Sioux Fallsl Symphony. And so I did ... and went until the Beatles were so much a part of my life that there was no room for classical music. I went by myself ... walking to the Washington High Auditorium or cadging a ride from my parents depending on the weather. (Didn't we all walk in "those days?" It was so safe then!) 

Two years ago I was asked to come onto the Lincoln Symphony Board. Rob was surprised that I wanted to do so ... but when I explained the symmetry of it ... how once upon a time, a long time ago ... a little girl from the North End of the Sioux Falls found joy in music ... he got it and has been encouraging of my participation. 

A final thought ... as part of the Board, I got to hand out candy canes to the children who attended the concert. The last part of the concert consisted of Christmas carols ... sung by the audience, accompanied by the Orchestra. I had to step back inside from my post by one of the doors ... because WHO could miss a chance to sign with a full orchestra. 

This clip is not from the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!