Wind symphony

It was a great night for orchestra music as the American Wind Symphony Orchestra gave its final performance Tuesday night in Cape Girardeau, marking the end of a 52-year run.

The music was outstanding, but so was the weather and the venue: along the Mississippi River. A crowd estimated at more than 2,500 brought lawn chairs. Even the weather cooperated, with just a slight breeze.

Over the years, the wind symphony has traveled major rivers and lakes giving concert performances as well as working with school groups. Now Robert Austin Boudreau -- founder, conductor and captain of the Point Counterpoint II -- will focus on bringing music education to schoolchildren in several Louisiana parishes.

When the wind symphony made its first visit years ago, one of the Cape Girardeau organizers and supporters was Dr. Dan Cotner, dentist and musician. As a special tribute during Tuesday's performance, Boudreau asked Cotner to join him onstage.

Dozens of local residents welcomed the orchestra members into their homes for their three-day visit. Dr. Bob Gifford, retired Southeast Missouri State University faculty member, helped coordinate and publicize the orchestra's trip. Hats off to everyone involved in making this such a remarkable and memorable event.