This was my first experience playing in an orchestra. The Sunday School Band had been an enlightening youthful experience, but this was different. The Circus was led by Joe (Rielly) with boundless energy, sincere conviction, and his 12-string guitar. As a licensed music therapist, he believed in the power of music to make a positive difference and promote healing. At the time, new age music had gained popularity and there was a sense of mission in The Circus.
The personnel was very fluid, sometimes changing on a weekly basis, but even with so many involved, I was the only sax player, joining the others to embellish and hopefully understand the message. We had paired down to seven pieces for a concert at the Swarthmore Theater…
February can be an unforgiving month. That night there was snow and ice, but still we played. Joe sang his songs and we were thankful for the faithful sitting between all the empty seats, privy to the magic of music despite the winter storm.
I remember sharing a beer with the bass player, outside in the cold on our only break. Teamwork)))
There would be another orchestral experience…