One of the largest attractions the Ilion Marina and RV Park has ever witnessed is making a return trip nine years later.
The American Wind Symphony Orchestra will be appearing at the marina on Sunday, July 20 after making its first appearance in 1999 and drawing around 3,000 people.
AWSO is a musical ensemble comprising of 40 young wind instrument musicians from around the world. The group travels around in the “Point Counterpoint II,” a floating 195-foot-long and 38-foot-wide arts center that opens up into an amphitheater, has an art gallery below the deck and a small theater for patron concerts.
The group was brought to Ilion by the village board and volunteer committee which is planning much of the behind-the-scenes details.
“Both the village and the committee are honored to have the AWSO again grace our wonderful marina and community with music and art,” said Mayor Mark Cushman.
Two of the committee’s main tasks are to find households where the musicians can stay and to find sponsorships. The committee is also responsible for advertising and reaching out the school district as one of AWSO’s principle missions is to involve local music students.
The boat will be arriving on Saturday, July 19, and leaving Monday, July 21, meaning the musicians will need to stay somewhere for two nights.
Cushman said the musicians who stay with local families with students will provide a free music lesson to students and act as a music mentor.
Trustee Joanne Moore has been in contact with Ilion’s music director Mark Bunce to try and get the school’s band and chorus students involved.
Moore said Bunce and committee member JoAnne Kucerak will be putting together a list of potential households where the musicians can stay.
“The school is involved and ready to roll,” said Moore.
Cushman said the concert will cost $22,000, which the village will partially fund, but he is hoping to secure individual and corporate sponsorships and to secure money from fund-drives.
The committee is brainstorming various ideas and will be putting them together in the near future.
The goal is to attract a similar number as before if not bigger said Cushman.
“Given today’s fuel prices, we’re giving the great people and their families in the region a perfect opportunity to enjoy a free world-class performance while staying right here close to home,” said Cushman.
The group was founded and has been directed for 50 years by American conductor Robert Austin Boudreau and has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including France’s bicentennial celebration, England’s 800th anniversary and was the first U.S. vessel to enter Leningrad.
Cushman said he was proud of the Ilion community and looks forward to seeing it at the concert.
“I see the concert as a small way of saying ‘thank you,’” said Cushman.
Ilion, N.Y. —
