On with the show...

Here's the cast warming up on stage before the house opens.  It's a beautiful facility...and anyone new to the community would be pleasantly surprised that we have such a big theater; it has served the community well over the years.

And, again, here's the orchestra warming up before the show.

It's been said before, that our county, though meager in population, is rich with artistic talent.  It's been proven time and time again.  As a kid, I was under the impression that big talent came from big cities.  The concept is ridiculous; talent knows no boundaries; tremendous talent can be nurtured even in the remotest areas.

I feel very fortunate to be able to play in the orchestra for the college's spring musical right along side musicians who range from college band and choral directors, to high school band and choral directors, to members of the community band or symphony.  A few others in the orchestra are outstanding high school students.   I admire their talents!

From my vantage point, I am at the back of the orchestra with Carl on my right.  He's a great percussionist and keyboard player; he has taught music for many years and has performed in various bands in a variety of venues.  He blows a mean train whistle in this show! Plus, he's the guy with 2 bags of bite-sized chocolate bars.  It's great for us keyboard players...too bad for the horns and reeds... a distinct disadvantage to have to wait to nibble on chocolate!

Then, on my left is the ever entertaining saxophonist, Jason.  He is the band director at the college, who has been fantastic in leading student and community musicians, both as a musician and director.  But if there's a little down time between his playing three different instruments in the show, he eases the boredom by donning various hats and wigs. 

 Wish you could hear both he and his wife Laura play some of the licks in the show.  The passages are furiously fast, fun, and lyrical -- you have to be damn good to play these parts well. She's on clarinet and is pictured below center (with long brown hair).

Well, time to get ready to go.  We've got two shows today.