The James Logan Courier

By Michael Aquino, Courier Staff Writer

On the chilly night of December 14th, invited by a friend to the event, I attended the first musical-symphony event I had really ever seen. I was really unsure of what to expect. What was I supposed to be anticipating for James Logan's Winter Concert?

Honestly. I had the assumption that this would be just some bunch of kids playing instruments and playing lullabies to put me to sleep. I thought it might have been one of the worst times ever and that I would eternally hold a grudge against such symphonic performances forever after.

I was so wrong.

The event began with the performance of just a handful of students during the Silent Auction, a fundraising event, and even from that I found my attention had been captured. I anxiously awaited the start of the actual performance. Looking at the light-blue Winter Concert pamphlet, I saw that Symphonic Band would be first up.

I was absolutely drawn into an entirely different world; it felt like I was letting the music take the wheel of my life, the rhythm making all the turns, and the notes pressing me forward. I was amazed by the images the music conjured in my mind: from a knight saving his princess to comrades living on the modern battlefield; from a field of flowers daisies to a desolate and merciless land of desert life.

I felt like I was on a parade the whole time, and next was the Wind Symphony. I recognized people from the crowd--I applauded for them wildly, cheering the names of my friends.

The whole time I still couldn't help but wonder, where was the friend that had invited me to begin with? He wasn't in either of the first performances, and I was honestly apprehensive--perhaps impatient--to see him. He was the whole reason I was here at this unbelievable, incredible concert after all.

String Orchestra was to follow after, and like the other sections it did not fail to astonish me. Still I did not see that one, particular friend of mine. Where was he? If I didn't see him in the next group,then I have completely lost my purpose of being here. Right?

Still the vivid aural images kept sweeping me by--the music kept taking me away. I found myself somewhere amongst paradise--a waterfall, a tropical landscape. I found myself at ease with my surroundings--everything serene, with that accent of adventure and mystery.

And then I saw him, amongst the Concert Band. I think my heart stopped for a moment--this was the one time I had been waiting for throughout the entire band performance.

Then there was the rush of joy and excitement when the music began--and my imagination became sharper and clearer, like I was actually there in a place I could call paradise. Paradise... I really did find myself in a world other than my own.

The concluding performance was with the Christmas "Pop" Sing-along, and everyone was happy and full of the holiday cheer as we sang along to classical songs of "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town," "Silver Bells," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." It was really astounding and bewildering to see all the audience members participating together and singing along wonderfully. I found myself singing out the lyrics, even if I didn't know how the exact tune went.

Then came the end of the Winter Concert, and my senses had come back to reality, away from the surrealness I was just in. I came down the steps to greet my friends, congratulate them on their performances, but ultimately I was looking he who invited me.

I found him.

We went outside, and the air was frigid, the sky was dark. My Aunt gave the two of us a ride home, and we waited by a dim lamp post, where the light shone a hue of a gentle gold.

I praised him for his performance, and he gave a really nice smile, giving his thanks.

I think that I could hear the band again, the Concert Band--like it was playing again, somewhere in the back of my mind.

The night of December 14th is memorable, and will probably be forever, eternally, be stuck in my mind--I would have held a grudge against myself for not having gone. The music that had taken me away to another place, somewhere not on Earth, but somewhere beyond comprehension and understanding.

And honestly, I wish I could replay the whole day of December 14th, and relive it once more. Paradise--it is such a sweet place, a perfect place.