Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” was condensed to a few well-known bars. Individual bursts of shooting stars became a rushed spectacle of fireworks fury. But at least the storms held off until two young guests made their conducting debuts for the Lake Forest Symphony’s 15th annual 4th of July Concert on the Green.
Renita Logan, 9, and Timothy Thompson, 14, had something other than weather on their minds as they waited anxiously for symphony conductor Paul Anthony McRae’s downbeat on the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Renita and Timothy are residents of Arden Shore Child and Family Services, a private, not-for-profit institution in Lake Bluff serving abused and neglected children.
Their appearance was made possible by Robert Snyder of Lake Forest, an Arden Shore board member. Snyder had donated to the school the chance to conduct at the concert, an auction item he bought at the symphony’s winter benefit.
When McRae went to Arden Shore and talked to the residents, he decided to choose two young conductors.
Renita put aside her pent-up excitement to coolly lead symphony members through John Philip Sousa’s “Liberty Bell March.” Her reaction later: “It was great.”
Timothy, who conducted Sousa’s “Semper Fidelis,” admitted to pre-concert nerves. “I was a little bit nervous, but once I got into it I got over it. It was very exhilarating,” he said.
Afternoon reports of rain and lightning to the south and west did not stop more than 5,000 people from crowding the grounds of Deerpath Elementary School in Lake Forest with blankets, armloads of baby paraphernalia and elaborate dinner setups.
“It’s a great way to get everyone together,” said Linda Martinat, of Lake Forest, who with husband Brian hosted a party of about 60 adults and 35 youngsters. The Martinats served a gourmet dinner from under a small blue and white open-sided tent.
The entire six-member Demas family of Lake Bluff came decked in stars and stripes. “We wouldn’t miss it. We come every year,” said Denise Demas, there with husband Jonathan and their four children, aged 6, 4, 2 and 3 months.