Dear Athens Drive students and families,
Our North Carolina Symphony resumes regular concerts in a few weeks at Meymandi Hall in downtown Raleigh. We are so fortunate to have a premiere orchestra just minutes away from our homes! These are musicians who have spent their LIFE immersed in the study and practice of music. They are the “best of the best” and it is inspiring to watch/listen to them perform. Also, the opportunity to hear a LIVE PERFORMANCE is especially thrilling—there is an energy that exists that cannot be captured in a recording. Just think, over 100 musicians are playing together FOR YOU!
As many of you know, I am a classical music enthusiast. It was a course in classical music that I took as a junior in high school that fired my passion for this genre of music AND for a career as a music educator. Last year during the remote learning period, I devoted my energy into bringing classical music into the hearts and minds of our students. I continue to believe that it was the BEST option available—if we could not play together, we can at least LISTEN together. Throughout the year, we explored hundreds of masterworks and learned about the lives of these remarkable composers.
I am excited to announce that I have worked out an agreement with the NC Symphony to allow our Athens Band students and family members to attend select concerts for only $17 a ticket! (The normal cost is $66.) It may be just slightly more than a movie ticket; but consider what you are getting! If you combine it with a meal, it’s a very reasonable night out (date night for you older kids!).
The first available concert is FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 AT 8:00pm. The Symphony is playing DVORAK’S “NEW WORLD SYMPHONY,” along with Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.”
Here’s the plan: I must have payment (check made payable to the “Athens Drive Band Boosters” or cash) by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 at 3:00pm. I will then call in the order. No money, no ticket. Sorry, but you cannot charge your band account for these tickets. The tickets will be available for you at “will-call” under the name of “Athens Drive Band.” My wife and I will be there to make certain the process goes smoothly, which it always has in the past.
A few other incentives/details… Attending these concerts will count toward Tri-M Music Honor Society “hours.” Provided that you are with a student, parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. can attend! (For $17 a ticket!) Parking is not expensive (two years ago I was able to park in the “Education Center” lot for $5). You might even consider carpooling to save $. Usually we are seated in the rear of the auditorium—sorry, discount tickets come with discount seats; however, all the seats are good! The hall has great acoustics and it’s still thrilling! You will need to be dressed “business casual” or nicer… Guys—a nice shirt, pants, shoes; tie is optional… Gals—um, just dress nice☺ NO TENNIS SHOES, FLIP-FLOPS, SHORTS, JEANS OR TEE SHIRTS! Look nice!
There will be many more opportunities through the school year. I will let you know in plenty of time!
Get lit! The orchestra’s back!!!
