November 17, 2025

A Musical Afternoon...

FdL Symphonic Band Percussion Section

It was a perfect day for a cathedral concert in Fond du Lac (Wisconsin). The sun shone through the stained glass windows, and the pews were filled with enthusiastic audience members. The program was inspirational, lively, and moving, and I was so glad to be there.

The venue was St. Paul's Cathedral. It's a lovely stone edifice that sits along the banks of the Fond du Lac River as it winds through the city. The area where the band performs has soaring ceilings that send the music out into the seats. It has marvelous acoustics.

My Heartbeat in the Percussion Section

Of course, I was sure to position myself so that I could see Handsome during the performance. I didn't realize though that the music director (conductor) would be positioned right in my sight line, so during the pieces, if Handsome stood here, my view was blocked. Fortunately, he moved around in the section as he played various drums, so I did get to see him.

I wish all of you could have been there with me. It really was a great concert - and that's even if you remove my obvious bias! There aren't any more concerts this year. Their next performance will be in April of 2026. Handsome will be in Florida the first part of the year, but he's planning to be home to rehearse with the band in time for that concert. That means we won't be apart very long this year, and you know I like that!

Feather photographs tomorrow! See you then...

10 comments:

  1. I can just imagine the concert and the beautiful music. My Son used to play piano and percussion and it was a joy to attend his concerts.

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    1. Hi Bev:
      I can't think of a more wonderful way to spend a few hours...watching someone you love perform music. It's the BEST.
      xoxo
      Donna

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  2. I bet that was a beautiful concert.
    Marilyn

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  3. It looks like it was a lovely place to soak in the wonderful music while admiring the details of the ornate architecure.

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    1. Hi Lois:
      The acoustics were perfect! I admit I did spend time looking at the details while I enjoyed the music.
      xoxo
      Donna

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  4. Was it Christmas music? I'm sure it must have been wonderful in such impressive surroundings.

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    1. Hi MA:
      Actually not. This was what they performed: Finale from Brahms Symphony No. 1 (arr. Jay Bocook), Amazing Grace, North Wind (Karl Stromann), O Magnum Mysterium (Morten Lauridsen), Minor Alterations 2: Carols from the Dark Side (David Lovrien) actually carols we know and love set in a minor key and played against other music. Like O Holy Night set against Ride of the Valkyries. It was awesome!, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), In The Bleak Midwinter (G. Holst/C.Rossetti) First sung by the band, and then the same piece (arr. Robt. W. Smith) performed by the band. They finished it by making "shhhhhh" noises that sounded like a wintery wind blowing snow across hardpack. It was spine tingling!, December Dance (Andrew Boysen) and concluding with Hymn: The Lord Bless You and Keep You (John Ritter), sung and performed by the band. I left feeling completed restored and happy.
      Thanks for asking!
      xoxo
      Donna

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  5. Concert, Cathedral that's a winning combination.
    That looks like a spectacular cathedral. I'm all about the details with anything.
    What a wonderful place for a concert.
    It's obvious where Handsome gets his name from.
    He looks wonderful.
    Shirley

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    1. Hi Shirley:
      Although we were all raised Methodist, Mum belonged to the Church of England as a child, and after divorcing Dad, she went to the Episcopal church (this cathedral) because it reminded her of home. She and her husband are members here. My stepdad is having health issues (he's 93), so they weren't able to attend, but I've attended Christmas midnight mass there decades ago. It is an impressive place, to be sure. I remember when I first decided to write a blog. I told my beloved what his nickname would be when I wrote about him. He kinda hated it, so I said "Give me something else, and I'll use that instead." He never did, and here we are. I think it's perfect for him, especially since HE doesn't think he is. (I know better.) Thanks, dear. He'll smile when I tell him what you wrote.
      Hope you have a great week!
      xoxo
      Donna

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Blessings, Donna