from the Rooster's Wife

Hello music lovers.

Tomorrow the media hype suggests the game of the century will be presented on network television. You have two undefeated teams, a dignified and humble man leading one, a hugely successful man of dubious integrity the other, according to our 24/7 coverage of news, sports and weather available to 72 % of the population through the wonder of cable and satellite television. Might I suggest another form of entertainment that exhibits exquisite team work and much better fashion than a four hour consumer blitz?

Spin your globe a quarter turn and land on Cardiff, Wales, home of Grant Llewllyn. Football fans, if you are still reading, he is the music director of the North Carolina Symphony. He was right here in Moore County Thursday night bringing the best in live music right to your doorstep. If the soccer team didn’t bring you to the hallowed halls of Pinecrest High, Llewellyn and Marsalis should have. Yes, Branford Marsalis was here. Son of Ellis, brother of Ellis, Wynton, Delfeayo, and Jason. His quartet dazzled the listeners with their contribution to a modern composition, Lions ( A Dream) for jazz combo and orchestra, by American Ned Rorem.

Lycra has added much to NFL attire but an orchestra in formal dress beats even those Cowboy cheerleaders hands down. When the conductor, or coach, takes the platform, the players are at attention. The baton is raised. The joint is silent. Offense, defense, and special teams are all on the field together and working in perfect coordination. You cannot spike the ball to stop the clock. You play on with out time outs for second and third down efforts of ten to twelve seconds. You play straight through to the fourth quarter, complete with six percussionists, and a rousing finale to the Mussorgsky including several impressive strikes of the gong. Standing ovation. Bang a gong, get it on , indeed. Kudos to Linda Hardison and her crew.

And while we’re on the subject of team play, Mr. Marsalis was in the body of the orchestra for Pictures at an Exhibition on alto sax. It is not surprising given that his father is one of the preeminent music coaches in the world. His influence on his own children and countless other major forces in American music is deep and wide. In addition, Mr. Marsalis imbued his sons with the idea that music is essential to the community, be that New Orleans, North Carolina, the USA or the world. Whether it is Snug Harbor, or Robert E. Lee Auditorium, make a point to see and hear great music when it is in your backyard.

You don’t like the symphony, you can’t stand jazz. Come on, eat your liver. It’s good for you. Prepared properly , almost anything can be delicious. There is so much music in every genre , it is provincial and lazy to throw those babes out with the bath water. Chances are, you’ve never heard that piece. Never watched that conductor.

Carlo Giulini. Now that was a man. If you ever saw him perform, you would be a fan of symphonic music for life. The passion and precision he brought to the podium were totally compelling even from my seat in the second balcony. Giulini, Bernstein, Sir George- marvelous athletes all. And no commercials. You can borrow their cd’s from the library, or listen on line.

So that is the thought for today. Use that extra hour of sleep to contemplate something new and different . Remain open to new experiences. And don’t miss opportunities to share your passions with those you love, especially your children, or somebody else’s children. Takes a village, right ? Spread the good news about live music; you should have seen all those fiddles flying in synchrony, and make sure you exercise your franchise this Tuesday. Tell the kids about that too.

We’ll look forward to seeing you at the house along with stellar song writer Jonathan Byrd the 24th of November, 8 p.m. You ma buy tickets in advance by sending a check to :the Rooster’s Wife, 201 Blue St., Aberdeen, 28315 which will guarantee your seat, or reserve by phone. $12/person, $10 for members. See the website for details on membership and support of the concert series.

Thanks for supporting live music in Moore County.


Janet Kenworthy
www.theroosterswife.org
www.bluestreetdesigns.com
(910)944-7502