My husband and I have had the distinct pleasure of being a members of the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band for the last 14 years. Due to current circumstances, I could not play at its most recent concert honoring “the greatest generation”, the men and women who served our country in World War II and those back home as civilian supporters.
But that gave me the opportunity to be a member of the audience and for the first time, to watch and listen to this organization play its most challenging and accomplished performance to date. There was a full house in the audience and everyone’s enthusiasm was heightened when Wayne Messmer sang and later narrated from original letters of soldiers overseas to their loved ones back home. From the “Andrews Sisters” numbers to Waukegan principal violinist Michael Kleinerman’s moving solo from “Theme from Schindler’s List”, the audience, including me, were at times filled with laughter and at other times, heartfelt tears.
My personal experience that evening, and many times in the past, was one of gratitude and pride for the efforts of all concerned. Our conductor Howard Green has inspired all of us, Band members and audience alike, in bringing a magnificent evening of musical inspiration that also holds special significance for us all. I’m so proud of our community for its support. You won’t want to miss our 15th anniversary concert on Sunday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at Stevenson High School.
Irene Lerner
Buffalo Grove