I HEARD A SYMPHONY
The other day I received an email from a friend on Long Island. She wrote and told me about a nightly symphony she hears when she takes her evening walk at 7:00 pm. Every time it’s performed, it brings tears to her eyes.
The music does not continue for as long as a Beethoven, Mozart or Schubert symphony. This orchestra strongly features its percussion section, but not with the rhythmic grace of the snare drummer playing Ravel’s Bolero. However, these percussion musicians are a very valuable part of the orchestra.
Living in Las Vegas, I had not heard of this orchestra until one night in the closing minutes of a nightly news broadcast I too heard this orchestra perform. It consisted of both adults and children, playing their hearts out as they banged on their instruments; kitchen pots and pans with large metal and wooden spoons. And don’t let us forget those percussionists with two pot lids being played like real cymbals. They were joined by sirens from the local volunteer fire department and church bells from local houses of worship, sounding like parts of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The musicians played their hearts out honoring all the first responders and medical personnel as well as others who once again left their homes and families in an effort to protect the public from the frightful pandemic.
The newscast only showed a couple minutes of these musicians performing their nightly serenade. Like my friend, I stopped what I was doing and listened to them perform. I did so through misting eyes, and yes, I heard a symphony.
About Keith Bettinger:
Keith Bettinger is a retired Suffolk County (N.Y.) Police Officer. He’s been writing for law enforcement publications for more than 35 years and has received 28 awards for his articles, stories, poems, and books. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Relations with a major in Clinical Counseling. During his career he received the department’s Bravery Medal, Silver Shield Award, Meritorious Police Service Award, Special Service Award, Professionalization Award, Department Recognition Award, five Headquarters commendations and six Precinct commendations. He also was a field training officer and an instructor on Post Shooting Trauma and Critical Incidents. Keith has written three books, FIGHTING CRIME WITH “SOME" DAY and LENNY, END OF WATCH and MURDER IN McHENRY.
