Newsletter 2009
The outlook for Music at McClellan
by Josephine Ayers and Pete Conroy
On behalf of the Music at McClellan committee, we acknowledge with gratitude the innumerable contributions of time and talent to the success of our sixth season and 23rd concert. This was a particularly tough year, and we recognize the added effort and commitment it took to make Music at McClellan happen.
The Calhoun County Commission has believed in this festival, as have our other primary sponsors, including the Alabama Legislature (with particular leadership from Rep. Richard Lindsey), Jacksonville State University, the McClellan Development Authority, The Anniston Star and the Farley Moody Galbraith Foundation. All have given it the strongest possible support.
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has been critical to traffic control and security of the venue — the volunteer "posse" was led by Sgt. Jon Garlick, who has been with us since our first season. All of our loyal sponsors are appreciated, as they believed we could make it this year, stepping up with financial contributions that stretched their resources as we have stretched our own.
We thank every person who purchased tickets. In fact, the audience numbers tell the story with an average of nearly 1,200 people at each of three concerts. Even when we were forced inside by ominous weather forecasts and a soggy venue, a capacity audience turned out to hear the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
We now look forward to moving to the historic Monteith Amphitheater. Currently under renovation and a mere 2,000 feet away from the present venue, it is a beautiful site. The Monteith, only recently rediscovered at McClellan, was built by the Army in the 1940s and accommodated up to 12,000 soldiers at a time for ceremonies, performances, an exhibition boxing match by Joe Lewis and sermons by the Rev. Billy Graham. It was the site of the commissioning of "the first Negro regiment" to enter the U.S. Army in 1948, a symbol of President Truman's singular pledge to end segregation in the U.S. military. It is a nationally significant site with potential to draw widely diverse audiences to a variety of events.
While this project will insure a permanent and cost-saving home for our concerts, both Music at McClellan and the Montieth have a precarious future. More than ever, we have to count on the deep commitment of the community to accomplish the ambitious goal of completing the renovation and bringing Music at McClellan with other activities to this spectacular outdoor amphitheater.
Our committee is grateful for the support our concerts have received, and we are eager to bring the story of the future of Music at McClellan and the Monteith Amphitheater to the community. In soliciting community support, we are asking for an investment in a solid future for important community institutions. Just think of your community without the arts: a bleak and boring place.
Instead, think of the excitement we feel when gathering with our friends and neighbors to enjoy the festivities, hear the music and, of course, anticipate the cannon fire that only Music at McClellan provides.
Josephine Ayers and Pete Conroy are co-chairs of Music at McClellan. |
