Great Auditorium during concert 5/28/22 Paul Goldfinger photo.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net
There were several things in short supply at last night’s patriotic concert in the Great Auditorium of Ocean Grove: children, masks, and a large audience.
I’ve always enjoyed people watching—trying to figure out the people I came across. I guess that is why I love to do “street photography.”
At the concert near where we were seated, I saw 3 children sitting together. Eileen saw them also, and we agreed that they were siblings. What impressed us was their attentiveness to the music on stage. They watched carefully and even clapped to the rhythm of some marches. They remained attentive during the entire event.
I wish that more parents had brought their kids to last night’s concert, and for a variety of reasons.
But watching these three, I thought, “What wonderful parents they must have.” Music goes to and comes from the soul, and all parents should encourage their children to participate in music in school and at home.
In my house, my Mom promoted music, mostly with her singing aloud and playing records. My brother became a neuroscientist, but his greatest love was music, and he played about 8 instruments, and all his life he participated in music.
I also participated in every musical opportunity in school, through college. One time, in 5th grade, I wanted to quit music, but Mom cajoled me; she didn’t stop until I was convinced.
She got me private lessons on the clarinet, and my Dad dug deep to get me a fine French instrument made of ebony wood. Her insistence was one of the best events in my life. I then never again stopped loving music, and I even loved my Buffet clarinet—a thing of beauty which I rubbed down with olive oil every night.
I wish that the Camp Meeting would find a way to provide free or discounted tickets to young musicians or music students for concerts. I see that they are offering student tickets for the Summer Stars Music Festival at $11.50 per concert including taxes and fees. The regular price is $17.50.
That’s nice, but how about promoting the Festival through the area school systems and how about offering free tickets to kids in need.
Mom also played piano, accompaniment herself while she sang. She was not a good pianist, and bro’ Mel always kidded her about her inability to play in any key but C.