Concerts in the Park

Soft breezes whispered through the trees above, as the pink and gray stroller bounced along the path.  Sounds of laughter and snippets of conversations accompanied them as they meandered their way through the tall trees.  Misty Falls was built around the huge wooded park in its center.  They followed along one of the walking paths.  Dappled light played all around them as Chris and Evan Gunn walked briskly toward their destination.   

The park is filled most every day, with kids playing, people walking or jogging, or riding their bikes.  There are always the picnickers and the soccer players, and of course, the impromptu guys with their Frisbee games.  Not to mention the bird watchers and the nature enthusiasts.  But today, many of the people in the park are here for a special event.  

Coming around a bend, the park opened up into a natural amphitheatre.   Evan looked around, scouting out a place on the gentle slope to lay out their blanket.  Chris gently lifted Angie out of the stroller to make it easier to push it along the grass.  She smiled as Evan waved her over to the perfect spot and they settled in to get ready for the concert. Their baby girl, Angie, waved her tiny little hands in the air, aware that there is something special about the evening.  

The hill is filling up quickly.  Attention is now being directed to the pavilion stage where, one by one, members of the local orchestra walk on and start to set up their instruments.  Random sounds of violins and flutes and french horns being tuned up fills the air.  All of these musicians are residents of Misty Falls.  The concert series is the showcase for the volunteer orchestra who practice together all summer long. 

Many of the members are also professionals who play in the Capital City Music Hall.  But many more are those who just love to play.  Elaine Sloan and her daughter Taylor belong to the latter category.  They both play the flute, so they set up next to each other with their families looking on and cheering for them.  

It is impossible to hide the smiles.  All the hours of practice, so painstakingly fit into their busy schedules, are  worth it.  As soon as the conductor steps up in front and welcomes everyone to the concert, they are ready to let the magic begin to flow through them. 

The sun is just thinking about setting when the notes of the last symphony drift away.  An hour of beautiful music ends much too soon.  Everyone remains sitting, letting the remnants of the experience sink in and fill every available space in their souls.  

Angie is asleep in the crook of her daddy's arm.  Evan kisses the top of her head and lets his gaze fall on Chris.  She had been leaning forward, drawn into the magic.  Music speaks to her she often says, he completely understands.  She turned her head, as if aware that he was looking at her.  They share a smile, and she moves closer to kiss his cheek.  

Cooler air of the approaching night fills the park as the crowds pack up and leave.  The open invitation, to return next week for another inspiring evening, is foremost on their minds.  Next Sunday they will be back, eager to hear what the orchestra has planned for them.  Traditions run deep in Misty Falls.  Evan and Chris discovered that when they moved here two years ago.  Now they have found that that it one of the best things about living here.