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!”
There’s nowhere prettier than the South in the spring. There, I said it and I stand by it. Our spring is painted in the most beautiful of pastel palettes. Even our pollen coordinates!
I do not love spring weather. It’s as unpredictable as a squirrel in the middle of the road. One minute its blue skies and cool breezes, the next its thunderstorms and tornados. Then there goes the power, and you’re stuck waiting for your lights to come back on.
But, sometimes good things blow in with spring storms. That’s how I first met my neighbors.
It was back when the Colonel was still alive. We had a typical thunder boomer with the sound of a transformer blowing somewhere nearby. Off went the lights. It wasn’t a minute before our new neighbor came over to see if he could borrow a flashlight. Well, of course the Colonel had an assortment and he gave him his pick.
When he came to return it the next day, he introduced his lovely wife and a boy hiding behind his mama’s skirt. We all became fast friends after that, as you’re want to do in the south.
But, the best of friends was the Colonel and our youngest neighbor. That sweet boy just took a shine to the Colonel. If the Colonel was outside raking leaves or washing the car, well, he had a helper within minutes. It was lovely to watch.
When the Colonel died, I made sure his young protégé had all of his bowties. He had always been fascinated by them and it was the first thing he wanted to touch every time the Colonel bent down to give him a hug.
Now, I hear you saying, “Pert, what does this have to do with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra?” Hold your horses I’m getting to that!
When the GSO decided to start their Sensory Friendly Concerts, I was thrilled! Now my next door family could join me at a concert. I immediately invited them but they hesitated. You see their son is what they call neurodivergent. He loves music, but he doesn’t love it sitting in a chair quietly. I assured them this GSO concert was made for just that. A concert where anyone could feel the music any way they wanted.
When they arrived at the theater, I could tell they still didn’t believe me. The whole place was filled with families who still weren’t sure.
Then the music started and I watched people have an immediate reaction. Some covered their eyes while others got up and squealed with delight. I watched my little friend leave his chair and move toward the musicians, transfixed. He swayed and rocked along with the music, in his own world.
What I also saw were tears, tears of parents so happy to have this experience for their children. Well, tears from their neighbor too, so happy to be with other families who had been kept from this beautiful music.
Dear friends, I’ve attended hundreds of GSO concerts and I don’t think I’ve ever been more moved. The Georgia Symphony Orchestra made me proud that day and I continue to be for these important concerts. It’s a place for everyone, no matter where you are on the spectrum of life.
I hope you’ll share the upcoming concert on March 28 with people who don’t think the GSO is for them. It’s a concert for everyone, and you’ll find me there with my little gentleman. He’s the one standing in the aisle, swaying to the music, wearing a very special bowtie.
Until next time, stay out of treble!
Pert
