MANISTIQUE - The American Wind Symphony Orchestra, which performs worldwide while traveling by boat, will make the Manistique Harbor one of its docking points this summer. The orchestra will not only play for the public, but will also give local music students the chance to join in their performance.
The orchestra will be in Manistique July 12-15, following Manistique's 20th annual Folkfest. The orchestra will give private performances along with a main concert.
The American Wind Symphony Orchestra has a 50-year history of sailing the world's waterways from its home port in Mars, Pa. It has previously played in Marquette and Houghton.
Robert Boudreau, founder and conductor of the orchestra, said his mission is to get potential music students interested in the arts. Musicians in the 45-piece band will partner with local band students to mentor them in music and will allow the students to perform with the orchestra. High school band members from Manistique and other schools in the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District will be invited to join.
Boudreau, who is also the master of the watercraft Point Counterpoint II, founded the traveling orchestra to bring a symphony orchestra to areas that would normally not see this type of performance. He said the orchestra's performances normally draw thousands wherever they play.
Boudreau had met with officials from the city, Manistique Area Schools, Michigan State University Extension and other organizations to offer them a chance to host the orchestra in the Manistique Harbor.
The orchestra will hold its main performance on the boat, docked in the harbor. The 195-foot-long, 38-foot-wide barge houses an amphitheater that rises to become a floating stage on which the musicians perform. The boat also carries an art gallery. Tours of the boat and art gallery will be offered during the four-day event.
Not only will the arrival of this symphony be an opportunity for budding musicians, it will also hopefully draw a crowd and boost the economy of Manistique, said City Manager Sheila Aldrich, who discussed the event during a recent city council meeting.
The city, along with a private donation, are funding the event. More funding is being sought. So far, $3,000 of the $5,000 up-front cost has been collected. The total cost of the event is $25,000, which includes what money the orchestra makes with tours of its boat and art gallery, as well as any private performances.
The county is also hoping to be involved in funding the event.
During a meeting of the Schoolcraft County Board, Commissioner Dan LaFoille said he would like for the county to participate and assist in funding the event.
"It's a really nice thing, that this orchestra is coming to the community," he said. "It's being laid at our feet."
LaFoille said he expected at least 750 to 1,000 people to enter the community for the event, although no money would be made by the city or any businesses as a result, since all profits go to the orchestra up to $25,000.
Discussion at a recent city council meeting included marketing the event across the Central Upper Peninsula to bring in audience members from surrounding communities.
