Tell Tchaikofsky the news

Although not high on our list of activities and social events, Mocha-momma and I occasionally do have an opportunity to attend and be entertained within the realm of ‘the Arts.’ Last night we had such an occasion, and for 15 glorious minutes we were swept away in the enchantment provided by a 6th grade middle school band.

Our son, Jonathan, decided to join band before his 5th grade year, and chose the flute as his preferred instrument. In my humble opinion, before he’s done, he will become the next James Galway, international flute virtuoso. Seriously, we are very pleased with his progress, not only in his skill level, but in his attitude and love of playing that we see out of him. He’ll sit for an hour and just play for us in the living room. I can also honestly say that this musical talent he seems to be demonstrating can in no way be genetically traced back to me. I was told in 5th grade that I had no ear for music and thanks for showing up to the testing. He gets it from Mocha-momma, and it has certainly helped him that she studied voice, and knows how to read music. They make a good team and I enjoy listening to them both on the flute and the piano; even through the bad notes.

I was pretty much a jock for my whole life, and a classic rock lover---Seeger, Springsteen, Skynnard, et al; but when I met Mocha-momma I was forced to listen to Vivaldi and Taco Bell (Pachelbel, old joke between us) I did come to appreciate and enjoy it on limited level. We went so far as to get some ticket packages for 3-concert series to Orchestra Hall for a couple of years; which brings me to the thrust of this post.

We went during the reign of Eiji Oue as conductor. I don’t know if it’s the same or different with other conductors or other symphonies; but here are my basic thoughts and experiences regarding symphony concerts. They would play basically three compositions: one we would love, one we were indifferent to but enjoyed, and one we would dislike; it never seemed to fail with this pattern. My main gripe: the musicians would walk out and do their warm-up, the conductor would come out and give us a nod, they would play the three pieces (with a break ) then they would all leave. I could sit at home in my recliner with a beer and pretzels in hand, throw in a cd of Vivaldi, and enjoy the experience just as well, if not better.

I can recall only two occasions where it was really enjoyable, because the guest musicians actually interacted with us and entertained as well as just played---James Galway and Emmanuel Axe. I don’t expect a laser light show, or the concertmaster jumping up and smashing her violin on the conductors head; but at least make some effort to acknowledge we’re there, and talk to us about the works or let us know that the composer was actually drunk out his mind when he came up with the composition. If your competing for my consumer dollar, you’d better try and make it worth my effort. We haven’t gone to Orchestra Hall since that time; maybe if they had a Wrist Sweater Night, or Mozart bobblehead give-away at Orchestra Hall, we’d give it one more shot.