A symphony of sights and sounds |
Issue 13 Aug 2011 |
Not only is Docs Who Care an organization that provides a valuable service, it is also an organization that values its employees. The most recent expression of appreciation came in the form of a special outing to Symphony in the Flint Hills. After a stop in Council Grove for a terrific lunch, it was on to Volland, Kansas, where approximately 7,000 adventurers descended on Fix Pasture. Once we stepped off the bus, we left our busy, frantic lives behind, and we were transported to a simpler time, where the prairie meets the sky, and folks gather somewhere in between.
We were met by a wonderful family of volunteers who made us feel welcome. Armed with some facts and a schedule, we headed out along the trail. Our walk to the concert site was lined with more friendly volunteers, this time on horseback. We found many activities awaiting us at various tents, and it was difficult to choose – Kansas historical presentations, grassland exhibits, an art gallery, as well as star-gazing opportunities and a covered-wagon ride. Our delicious meal, served in a country basket complete with bandana, only served to reinforce the feeling that we had stepped backward in time.
The day culminated in the sixth annual open air concert by the Kansas City Symphony, with guest narrator Peter Coyote, and guest vocalist Trevor Scheunemann. What an unbelievable experience; to hear every nuance of sound from each instrument in a magnificent band shell erected in the pasture!
While music from Copland, Dvorak, and others wafted through the air, the notes mixed with sounds of cowboys and cowgirls corralling herds of cattle nearby. The musical selections celebrated Kansas’ 150th year of statehood and remembrance of the 150th year of the start of the Civil War. A thrill went through the crowd as soldiers from Fort Riley, representing Custer’s 7th Kansas Cavalry, rode in proudly waving flags of Kansas and the United States. This, while the Symphony performed the Symphonic Suite from the film “Gettysburg.” It was an experience that you felt in your soul, and one that will not soon be forgotten.
Christy Kuzmich, Verification Specialist
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