AWSO provides wonderful and rare musical event

By Paul Walker

We had the honor and the privilege of hosting the American Wind Symphony Orchestra here in Manistique, Mich. The unbelievable experience is beyond words. It is my greatest hope your readers partake in this wonderful and rare musical event. Please enjoy my letter to our local newspaper.

Dear Editor: It appeared suddenly out of nowhere, this silver vessel with its flags flying at attention. Curiosity demanded a closer look at this silver vessel with strange shapes as local residents rushed to the boardwalk to view this vessel once mistaken as an unidentified flying object.

The news of this musical vessel's arrival passed through our small community quicker then a well-placed rumor. This ship, Point Counterpoint II, was on a mission to deliver new sounds of hope to a small community called Manistique, a community hungry to escape the negativeness of current events.

On a night of an informal concert, well over 2,000 people of all ages clapped in unison, despite the winds and rain, sang along with familiar tunes and danced while the sun broke the dark storm clouds that haunted us. People from as far as New York, Canada and our neighboring communities came to see 45 young musicians engaging in a performance that would be fit for nobility. The unforgettable evening was amiably hosted by 82-year-old Robert Austin Boudreau, an indomitable in character rightfully nicknamed the "Music Man of the American Rivers."

Without hesitation, local families opened their homes to house young AWSO musicians from afar. Incredibly, our local host families provided food, transportation and even sightseeing of our local attractions. These exceptional host families asking nothing in return, just one more hug as eyes well up while the last AWSO van pulls away. Destination: a new waterfront, a new family, a new community with a unique mission of 53 years of bringing music to people of all continents, generations and ethnicity. If someone told you this story several months ago, would you have believed this rare opportunity bestowed upon us.

The AWSO event has been one of my greatest pleasures as a volunteer in my community. My sincere and heartfelt appreciation for my community, businesses and its volunteers who contributed to the tremendous success of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra visit. I cannot express in words the sense of pride and accomplishment. Undoubtedly we are truly a unique community.

I further hope new events are in store for our future, and I stand ready to volunteer if called upon. As a member of our Manistique Sesquicentennial Project Committee, I hope the success of the wind symphony event inspires new volunteers and new ideas, all toward a common goal of community first. Thank you, Emerald City,

Paul Walker is the publicity-media chair of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra committee in Manistique, Mich. The AWSO will be in Cape Girardeau Aug. 16 to 19.