Rousing finale: 2008 Music at McClellan season ends with a bang
Music at McClellan had its largest consistent attendance numbers ever this year, committee co-chairman Josephine Ayers said Saturday. More than 1,000 people attended every concert, and the June 7 Abba concert was attended by more than 2,000 people. The final concert usually is the biggest, though, Ayers added. This year's final concert Saturday evening was titled "Classics Under the Stars," and featured work by such notable composers as Brahms and Tchaikovsky. While the count was not available late Saturday night, the audience was large and enthusiastic. Most eagerly awaited every year is the firing of the cannon during the finale of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Working, authentic cannon are brought in and fired by teams of Civil War re-enactors.
For many re-enactors, it's a way to reach out and teach some history. "Anything you can do to teach the public," re-enactor Beartooth Mayer said. Though the cannon firing has become an annual event, the concert venue will be changing slightly next year, according to Pete Conroy, Music at McClellan co-chairman. Conroy said for the 2009 season some Music at McClellan concerts will be held at McClellan's Monteith Amphitheatre. Conroy hopes residents will think of the new location as a gain instead of a loss, since some concerts still will be held at Longleaf Park. As for any other changes in the 2009 McClellan schedule, Conroy said the committee will base its decisions on surveys of this year's attendees. Of the attendees interviewed, a general consensus emerged: Attendees would like an extension of the season and a more diverse musical selection. Second-time attendee Elfreid Jones noted that the cooler night climate helps bring people out. "People like to be outside," she said. Among the picnickers, it was hard to miss the table prepared by the Jacksonville Red Hat club — glass vases filled with bright red and purple flowers set beside three small glass votive candle holders. The club, decked out in red hats with purple accents, has made it a regular event to attend the final Music at McClellan concert as a group. Members said they enjoy the chance to get together and hear the music. Member Paula Hoffman noted the number of people she knew she had seen. "I guess they all notice me because I'm so tall, she said, laughing. |
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