Musical friend found in the fine print

It's always a good idea to read the program before a concert's lights are lowered.

You just might see an old friend's name.

I learned when I attended a magical performance by the U.S. Air Force Concert Band.

I enjoyed that concert as much as I would any world-class performance you might see televised from Lincoln Center.

But the real treat came later when I finally took the time to read the concert's program. There, in a list of performers, was an old friend's name. She had been one of several “anonymous” clarinetists that night, obscured to me by distance and darkness. I haven't seen her since college, but her sister and I remain close.

I always thought it was pretty cool that this young lady turned her love for the clarinet into a doctorate-level education and a globe-trotting career. Now she's making music for our armed forces. I couldn't be more proud.