I love living in Small Town Alaska.
Attended the Kenai Middle School/Kenai Central High School combined Christmas Band Concert this afternoon. I have two grand-younguns in the KMS Advanced Band . . . and several other kiddos I know and care for throughout all of the bands. I love that so much of the community is supportive and comes out for these concerts.
I love that this one is held on Sunday so I can attend. (the others and the choir concerts are mostly during the week on one of the two nights I have to work late.)
There are the usual squeaks and squawks from the beginning band group and those make us smile because we remember all of the squeaks and squawks we’ve heard from ours over the years. Daughters and I always smile, throw a thumbs up and say “been there – heard that.”
The bulk of the music is spot on and wonderful.
Today – I love small town livin’ because of what happened one or two songs before the intermission. You see – it’s been snowing ALL day today – huge flakes, heavy wet snow. The power has been flickering all day also. But it never went out – and the show must go on – so we all slogged through nearly a foot of snow to get to the auditorium. (it was packed, btw)
And then just before intermission . . . the power went out and the only lights (until the minimal emergency lighting came on) came from the myriad of cell phones and digital cameras throughout the hall.
The band teacher paused, then finished the piece that was being played. The custodians came forward to talk to her (whereupon daughters and I muttered what we imagined the convo to be . . . the lights are out! What do you want to do? I dunno – what do YOU want to do?)
Finally the decision was made – the band members currently on stage moved all of their chairs forward so they could be in the emergency lights – they got really friendly in their seating – the band teacher raised her hands and then realized they could not be seen. A call went out to the audience:
Does anyone happen to have a pair of white gloves?
Small town livin’ to the rescue . . . one of the moms came forward with a pair of white gloves and all could proceed.
Normally intermission ends with a flickering of the Commons lights . . . no lights – what to do? We were promised something unusual would call everyone back to the concert. After about 10 minutes we heard a trumpet sound and everyone came back inside.
There were two final numbers. About 8 measures into the Hallelujah Chorus . . . the emergency lights went out and the string of Christmas lights lining the stage came on. Another moment for the mercury lights to power up and soon we had lights on the stage again.
Those who stayed past the intermission had a real treat as the night ended with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
Those of you who live in a small town that is community minded know whereof I speak. Those of you who do not . . . I hope you will find that someday.