Joanna Hicks sent an email: Would I like to go to the Central Lake Winter/Christmas program? She’d pick me up. Well, I didn’t see how I could go wrong. So there we were last night sitting on the bleachers in the high school gym, watching the kids file in, brass gleaming, parents applauding.
A hundred years ago I was in my high school concert band and in the marching band, too. I had no musical talent so I practiced a lot. I loved being in the band. I am a sucker for student band concerts. I also know something about the quality of student band performances. (I had no talent for playing, but I had a lot of talent for listening.) I tell you all this so you will know why I had such a good time last night.
- The 6th Grade Band had been together for just 14 weeks, but everyone managed to get to the end together. You may think this is a patronizing remark, but it is not. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get to the end together? Very hard. Think about Congress. Ha. Good job, 6th graders. Good job, Director Nancy Schoensee.
- The Middle School Band demonstrated the next level of difficulty and accomplishment, playing harmony in harmony. Again, I ask you, is this easy? It is not. Good job, middle school students. Good job with this one, too, Mrs. Schoensee.
- The High School Band performed the most difficult selections with real polish and a rich, full tone. They had me with the first chords of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of the Nobles. (Joanna says they get ones—as in Excellent—at state band competitions and I can believe it.) Good job, high school students. Good job Director Alison Hendry.
No band plays as well as these do unless its members work hard, enjoy what they are doing, and are well led. Mrs. Schoensee and Mrs. Hendry should be proud. So should the students. So should their parents. So should the taxpayers. We’re getting our money’s worth. You might want to go sometime. There will be concerts at the Central Lake High School gym on February 23 and April 15. I’ll remind you.
Freelance photographer Jim Schoensee was there, taking much better pictures than mine. You can see all of them online in his Christmas Concert albums: Central Lake High School Band and Central Lake Sixth Grade and Middle School Bands.
Torch Lake Views 
Dad
December 19, 2008
How can I get in touch with one of the bands and have them play a special tune on April 15? Or perhaps all three would do it.
Shelby
December 20, 2008
What a beautiful post on the music of the children. I’ve enjoyed perusing your blog this morning. I landed here after a search for winter solstice .. random find. The random finds are the best.
I especially was drawn in to the photo you posted of the store at night with the orange and magenta ice dangles – and of your detailing of all the treasures in the photo . . the tracks, the winter coat, the texture of the siding.
Those are the things that are exquisite.
I’ve never been to northern Michigan, but this place looks magical. I’ve been as far as East Lansing. I almost moved there a couple years ago for grad school (had actually rented a little studio for me and my daughter), but opted out suddenly to study here (Alabama) at a local school so I wouldn’t have to sell my home.
Turns out, I probably should’ve made the move. It’s one of the life moments that stays with you. But, I’m certain there are more to come. Ever the adventure.
Cheers.
– oh – and the barn story was priceless. My daughter came in as I was looking at the photos, and when she saw the one of the man looking up at the hole, she said, ‘oh he looks so sad.’ I told her, ‘well, the barn is about 90 years old and has been in his family a very long time apparently, but look, the neighbors came and they’re going to help fix it up!’
Joy.
Gerry
December 20, 2008
Shelby, thank you so much for the lovely comment! I’ve visited Alabama and can understand why someone would want to stay there. Please let your daughter know that Mark White feels like a lucky man, because the barn catastrophe could have been so much worse. Farmers are pretty sturdy people. It’s a good thing they’re in charge of the food.
All of us have roads not taken. Mine are in Maine and Wisconsin and New York and Guangzhou. Always the “what if” to ponder, but the road ahead is full of wonders. Ever the adventure indeed!
Glad you dropped by – come again!
Gerry
December 20, 2008
Hi, Dad – What would the bands play? March of the IRS Auditors? Or maybe Night on Bald Mountain for all of us who spent the previous 24 hours tearing our hair out over our returns . . . Heh heh.