What you may not know about our shows

First, let me say we are off to a terrific start to our season.  My board, staff and volunteers couldn’t be more pleased with the beginning to our season.  Ceci Wiselogel entertained and informed many middle school students with her program, “Let Freedom Ring.”  Then Michael W. Smith sang his way into many hearts with a sold-out house, and then this past Sunday, Debby Boone took us on a trip down memory lane with a concert of fun and entertaining music to kick off our Community Concert Series.

On November 1, “Under the Streetlamp” will take another sold-out house down memory lane with the music of Frankie Valli, as they performed in Broadway’s hit musical, “Jersey Boys.”  Actually, at last check, we can still sell about 38 more seats for this one. Check out their video on our website: www.npacvw.org and you won’t want to miss this Friday night concert.

We receive comments after many of our concerts.  Some are positive comments and others, shall I say, are meant to help us grow.  One of the comments we heard after Debby Boone’s concert this past Sunday afternoon was that everyone could understand what Debby was singing.  I, too, thought she was as clear as a bell.  I have always said the acoustics in the Van Wert County Foundation Saltzgaber Music Hall are exceptional.  Now, the challenge is mixing all the sounds so well that our natural acoustics enhance the sound you hear.

From my perspective, there were two key components to Debby Boone’s successful singing. One is Debby enunciated her words very well.  I complimented her on that and she took great pleasure in hearing it. The other is we did the mixing of sound.  No one knows their house quite like the owners. Many performers come into our house and have the attitude that no one knows their show like they do. Well, to a certain extent, they are correct, but they need to learn our house acoustics quickly. Some learn faster than others, while some never do learn.  We always hope for the best, but are bound by their contract.  I just wish they could all hear how good Debby Boone’s voice sounded as we mixed it with all the instruments. Kudos to our tech director, Hugh Saunier!

Now, I also realize that concerts are in the eyes (or should I say ears) of the beholder.  Many people attend concerts and expect it to sound much like their CD sounds.  Well, obviously, not everyone sets their sound level on their CD or electronic devices exactly the same.  In a live concert, we (or they) try to please nearly a thousand people, which is next to impossible.  Does everyone like their room temperature the same also?  Rarely!  We all have our preferences.

There are many other components which go into a live concert when you are considering sound and lights.  I have given the very simplified version.  And I don’t even understand everything, but please know that we try our best at every show and concert.  I am pleased to say that our best seems to rate above many … maybe not all, but many.

The Ohio State University Marching Band concert at the Niswonger on November 7 will present another set of circumstances. This all-brass band will not be miked, or amplified in any way, but it may sound like it. We will fit 225 brass and percussion instruments on our stage and fill every seat we possibly can with bodies, but you can bet this band will raise some excitement — all acoustically.  I kind of think that Buckeye fans won’t mind at all!  Who wants to hear “Buckeye Battle Cry” played softly?

By the way, have you seen the OSU Band’s half-time show from the Iowa game this past Saturday?  I understand it has been on national TV and maybe even internationally!  The website of their performance has gone viral (again!)  My son, Tim, just sent a text to me earlier today saying they were up to 2.2 million viewers!  I imagine that has grown throughout the day.

Stay tuned for more exciting news about the OSU Marching Band concert coming to Van Wert.  We hope to be able to share some more exciting news with you soon.  And don’t forget about the raffle of our beautiful Block “O” stained glass.  Tickets are $5 each and 5 for $20.  You may purchase these tickets at the NPAC box office between now and intermission of the November 7 concert.  You don’t need to be in attendance to win.

Also, by the way, there is no truth to the rumor that the Ohio State football team may show up and play at intermission of the band’s concert at the Niswonger.  Just thought you’d like to know.

Go Bucks!  FINÉ.