King in South Carolina

No, not Elvis, 'twas I in South Carolina. My recent trip to South Carolina was beyond all expectations. I was met at the airport and chauffeured to Anderson where I was well-fed with home cooking and greeted by the friendliest little dog on the planet. Later I was treated to a live concert of a small but well-prepared orchestra. The concert had a theme of musical counterpoint and imitation including a premiere by a local composer that provided great moments of musical interest, originality, and innovative harmonies. Especially intriguing was the Bach Suite performed by the string players in a standing position. The tone rang clear throughout the auditorium and the audience responded with enthusiastic applause and warm reception to the musical excellence of the conductor and performers.

Following the concert, a small group of four went to a local restaurant to experience escargot (referenced in an earlier blog) and conversation ranging from the greatest 20th century composer to music business to opera. Most fascinating was the orchestra conductor arguing in favor of voting Duke Ellington as the greatest composer! While the topic of Verismo and Puccini was touched on, eventually, as all good discussions must, we found ourselves conversing on Wagner and Bernstein.

The next morning, I enjoyed a meeting with an administrator of Anderson University and we discussed the value and challenges of distance learning. It was a productive meeting and I left invigorated and committed to growth in the online arena of learning. Later, I addressed a class of music education majors concerned about their future and the continued development of their own music education skills. It was an hour that moved too quickly and I was disappointed when it was over. The students were perceptive, curious, intelligent, and enthusiastic about the topics discussed.

Finally came the time to direct the honor band formed out of the finest 8th graders from the area. It was a good band with nice, obedient students. They responded well and seemed to enjoy the music selected. The first rehearsal was introductory as we "learned" each other and began the process of making music together and preparing for the upcoming concert. The rehearsal concluded with great expectations for further musical experiences the next day. That evening was yet another great meal and an opportunity for time together with a friend.

The next day we intensified the rehearsal tempo and performed an admirable concert to an audience filled with supportive parents and teachers. In addition to the quality of the players, they had obviously been well-taught and demonstrated commitment to excellence. Precision and energy were applied to the performance and the students were filled with excitement as we concluded the concert in a musical whirlwind of glorious band sound.

Mention should be made of the outstanding organization skills of the college students handling the instruments, stands, music, program, meals, and other needs that go with supervising an honor band. The students showed great poise and maturity in dealing with the myriad challenges and provided an enjoyable experience for everyone involved in the project.

After the concert, we dined at a restaurant worthy of distinction and I once again ate food better than I deserved. All this fine eating added to a pleasant surplus of avoirdupois that I decided to address at a later date. The next morning, I was again treated to a filling breakfast of an omelet and then headed to the airport for my return trip. The few days in South Carolina were filled with friendship, music, pleasantries, and lots of great food. To all who made my trip a highlight, I thank you. It was certainly a trip worthy of a king and much more than I deserved.