looking back at the Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra 57 years ago
Posted: 11/17/2018
A charming recall submitted by James Ebert
Sometime in 1961, i learned of a musical organization being formed - the Perrysburg Community Orchestra. I think the first meeting was in the high school band room. A Mr. Frank Menichetti introduced himself as the band director for the high school. He said he always dreamed of being an orchestra conductor. Little did he know the seed he planted then. I remember only a few names:
Linda Smith - my first flute chair mate
Gene Babcock - clarinet
Florence Wheelden (sp?) - viola
Wilbur Kessler - tuba (owned Kesslers Menswear on Louisiana Avenue
Dr. Wilson (Shortie) Shortridge - obeo
Julia Beck - cello, our founder
We often went for coffee at a place on Louisiana, I think after rehearsals. Rehearsals were held in the high school band room. (I don't know Jr. or Sr. High) but I remember being "stepped" like risers
Concerts were held in the Junior high auditorium (still are, I see). The auditorium had wooden seats, now gone I suspect. We were quite a bit shy of a full complement of instruments, so Frank would get high school players to fill in. And thank heaven for family - as the orchestra often outnumbered the audience. But it was a wonderful experience.
There was a chorale group called "the Suburban Singers," and they performed several operettas at the Junior High and we were pit orchestra for them. Nothing like leading a manuscript score with a 7-watt bulb! There were 3 before I left, and I'd be interested to know what more were performed.
We did:
Victor Herbert - The Red Mill
G&S - The Gondeliers
Gene DePaul & Johnny Mercer - Lil' Abner the Musical
I remember they were well received and the singers were outstanding. Frank was superb as director of orchestra as well as performers.
i left Perrysburg in early 1966, and will remember the wonderful times with the PSO.
James Ebert.
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