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My first symphony
9/8/2010 9:10:47 AM
By Chad Kimberley
Splash Staff Writer
As I lay on the grass at Pavillion Park staring up at the bright blue sky, I thought of all the things I could be doing instead of preparing for my first live symphony performance.
I could be watching the Washington State University Cougars take their first pounding of the new season.
I could be making my first week's picks for Splash Select (sign up today and win great prizes - yes, that was a gratuitous plug).
I could be playing catch with my son in the park.
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As you can see, most of my options (OK, all my options) include sports. I am a sports junkie. I fully admit it and am OK with who I am.
Music has never been a big part of my life. In fact, my musical highlights consist of an ill-fated attempt at being a violinist and drummer in elementary and junior high school, singing the seventh-inning stretch along with 40,000 friends at Wrigley Field and a semester-long struggle in a class called Visual and Aural Arts at college.
That college class, I will say, gave me one of the most entertaining moments of my life when the professor, Dr. Wubbena (a very fun name to say), was so overcome by his favorite musical piece that he swayed and hummed along, then became so emotionally overwhelmed that he walked off the stage mid-piece so we students wouldn't be distracted and would enjoy the remainder of the selection.
That is a music lover.
I am not that person.
As the Spokane Symphony artists on stage last weekend for the Friends of Pavillion Park's Lud Kramer Memorial Concert prepared their musical instruments, I scanned the program to see if I knew any of the pieces I was about to listen to.
I was pleasantly pleased to see the theme from "Jaws" (the sole reason I didn't go into the ocean as a young boy visiting California), a couple of patriotic numbers I knew and the music from the graduation march. Unfortunately, there was no "Star Wars" themed music, which I had been telling my kids could potentially be played at the concert (with Star Wars off the table, the bribing to behave would have to be done with food - thank you, Kiwanis).
Although music isn't my thing, the one aspect of the night I truly appreciated was the passion of both the musicians and orchestra lovers in the crowd. As I scanned the crowd, I could see folks just closing their eyes and letting the music inspire and move them. Observing those on the stage, I could see the same passion for music in their smiles.
It is the same joy I find in coaching from the sidelines or watching a beautifully turned 6-4-3 double play.
As the concert hit the intermission point, I decided to take a stroll around the park to take in the whole experience. I was instantly jealous of some of the food spreads that were set up around the park. Not to discount my hot dog meal I purchased, but there were some tables set up with full-blown meals. I scanned the tables hoping to see someone I knew who would invite me over to join their group - I figured I could make some symphony small talk for some of the desserts that were laid out.
 Splash photos by Chad and Tammy Kimberely |
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As I neared the end of my loop around the crowd, I was struck by two thoughts; first off, I am glad I am a guy, as the bathroom line for the women was about 20 times longer than for the fellas, but more importantly, I realized how much I do appreciate the town my family and I have made our home.
Throughout this whole summer of firsts, I have experienced the outdoors, sports opportunities, good food and the culture of this community, and I am thankful for all that it offers.
As is typical of most sports junkies, I would love it if my kids always had a desire to kick the soccer ball around and watch a game with their dad, but if that doesn't interest them, I am glad they live in a community where there also is an emphasis on culture, education and genuine friendships.
So, the symphony isn't my thing, but throughout this summer, I once again was reminded that Liberty Lake is my thing.
To all those who helped me on my journey of firsts (from sushi chefs to book club leaders), thank you. And to all those who mocked me (for an inability to water ski and a 0-3 record at Hoopfest), I also say thanks - thanks for keeping me humble!
Splash Staff Writer Chad Kimberley embarked on multiple "firsts" this summer for an occasional Splash column series. This is the final installment.