American Wind Symphony Orchestra

Yesterday evening Den and I went to listen to the American Wind Symphony Orchestra in Fairport Harbor, and what a treat it was. The orchestra played from a barge moored in the Grand River, at the stone docks at the end of Second Street, just down from the lighthouse. The side of the barge opened into what looked like a very sophisticated sound stage, with enough room for the 40 or so professional musicians. I would have liked to have seen what the inside of the barge was like.

Most of the music that was played, had been written specifically for this orchestra, by composers all over the world. The Music Director, Robert Austin Boudreau, gave a brief history of each piece and of the orchestra itself.

The American Wind Symphony Orchestra has been in existence for over 50 years, and has played in many parts of the world. It is based on the barge Point Counterpoint II, out of Pittsburgh; and most of the musicians are new every year, either music majors in college or having just graduated. Many of the AWSO musicians have gone on to play with major orchestras all over the world. The Fairport Harding High band members got to meet with and learn from the musicians on a one to one basis, and were invited to join in on the next to the last number played by the AWSO. Who knows how this opportunity will affect these young musicians, but I'm sure they will never forget it.

So how did this wonderful orchestra come to play in Fairport Harbor? I'm not exactly sure who started the ball rolling, but Pat Spivak and the Finnish Heritage Museum were involved from the beginning. They got a grant from the Lake County Visitor's Bureau to bring the barge here, Lake Metroparks volunteers helped with the traffic and tickets, and the Village administration (especially Tom Hilston and Jim Cardina) assisted in bringing the whole thing together. In recognition of the Finnish Heritage Museum, the AWSO even played "Finlandia" by Sibelius. If you ever get a chance to hear and see this unique orchestra, please take it.