Maine Monday: Practice Makes Perfect at the PSO

Open dress rehearsal for Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

I am incredibly thankful for the extra hour of sunlight, but man I could use a nap! It was a tough morning and judging by the empty queue at school drop off I wasn't the only one struggling. I'm looking on the bright side now that the day is almost over and I'm ready to spring forward to cocktail hour.

Last Spring we attended an open rehearsal for a performance at the Portland Symphony Orchestra and the little C&Gs really enjoyed it. Of course we paired it with cocktails and dinner before at The Corner Room, which could explain why they've been asking when we'll do it again.

Waiting for Wynton Marsalis to take the stage

The Portland Symphony Orchestra at the Merrill Auditorium puts together some wonderful shows and Musical Director Robert Moody is very involved in bringing music to the community. KinderKonzerts and special Youth and Discovery Concerts are perfect for school age children and are timed to end just before the wiggles set in.

If you aren't quite ready to spend the money on show tickets (student admission is always discounted) a great option is to visit open dress rehearsals. You must register ahead of time (go here for directions) to attend but admission is free. They are recommended for kids grades 5 and up, but Little C&G still enjoyed it as a 2nd grader. Watching the musicians hard at work and in their jeans and tee shirts is a little more low key. Plus you won't feel bad leaving during intermission.

Bernstein by Bernstein (Leonard Bernstein was the composer of West Side Story) is the show this Saturday, open rehearsals start at 2:00 and in place of admission they are collecting non-perishable food items for the Good Shepard Food Bank. The next two upcoming open rehearsals appeal to my love of travel, with Spanish favorite Don Quixote May 19th and An American in Paris on June 16th. The Corner Room is walking distance from Merrill Auditorium and their pastas and pizzas always work as a bribe to get the little C&Gs to the symphony. Their long list of cocktails and vino do an equally good job for the adults.