As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, we’re excited to feature a new storytelling series in The Score, written by Paige Perkins and told through the voice of our fictional friend, Pert- the GSO’s most enthusiastic (and possibly longest-serving) supporter. With humor, heart, and a healthy dose of Southern charm, Pert will guide readers through the GSO’s early days and its evolution into the vibrant organization it is today.
Written by lifelong music lover and natural storyteller Paige Perkins, these monthly tales offer a delightful peek behind the curtain of our rich history.
We hope you’ll follow along-and as Pert would say, “Stay out of treble!”
Have you finished your holiday shopping? I’ve still got a few little things to pick up, but I can’t get in the mood. I miss holiday traditions. You know, like going downtown to see Rich’s Great Tree. Or dropping off your holiday cards at the post office and treating yourself to a burger at Dunaway Drugs. Ordering from the computer is just not the same.
Now, I’m not one of those old ladies that complain about things changing. I’m just saying at this time of year the things that make the holidays different, special, from the rest of the year are what I’m always looking for.
You know what I mean. Traditions.
That’s why I just love that the Georgia Symphony Orchestra holiday concert is still going strong. Oh, it’s had a bunch of different names – Winter Concert, Sounds of the Season and now Holiday Pops – but it’s always about starting the holiday season off right. It’s how I really know the holidays have started. Every year I look forward to hearing all the old carols, the group sing-alongs, and of course, seeing Kris Kringle himself!
It’s also where I had my first date with my second husband.
I may have told you that I got weepy at a concert and a handkerchief was handed to me. Well, that handkerchief had a monogram and the girls in the Guild figured out who it belonged to. They told me that “The Colonel” was recently stationed at Dobbins and a new season ticket holder. They made sure he knew my name, and I guess my number because he rang me up. That’s when he asked me if I’d like to go with him to the holiday concert.
Of course I said yes, but I let him know that I’d have to dart out right before the end. It used to be aGuild tradition to serve cookies afterwards. And, all the cookies were homemade so it was also kind of a Guild competition if you know what I mean.
I remember that year it was particularly cold, but I felt unusually warm when we arrived at the hall. I didn’t know if it was the heating system or the fact that my date had very blue eyes. I’m going to tell you now if your beau won’t sing along with “Sleigh Ride” you probably need to find someone different. Because when The Colonel sang “Giddy Up, Giddy Up, Giddy Up, Let’s Go!” I pretty much fell in love with him right there.
While folks were distracted by Santa’s arrival, I excused myself to head to the lobby to take my place serving cookies. The Colonel didn’t seem to mind waiting for me, especially after I slipped him a couple of raspberry-filled shortbreads.
I love that every year I still have this wonderful tradition in my life. Did you get to go to this year’s Holiday Pops concert? If you were there on the 6th , you would have seen me remembering all the wonderful past holidays, singing along to “Sleigh Ride,” enjoying the people with me now and remembering the people waiting for me in the stars.
If I missed you and didn’t get to hug your neck, I hope your holidays are filled with music and moments that become your own beautiful memories.
Until next year, stay out of treble! (Except for New Year’s Eve – I’ll give you a pass!)
Pert
