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Harold Hill In Hiding?

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 18, 2009

It must be that Professor Harold Hill, "The Music Man," is living incognito at Freedom Plaza. How else to account for total abandonment to the joy of music making that lately seems to permeate the air? Why are residents suddenly seeking singing lessons? Why does the pub ring with the sound of voices raised on high every Thursday evening and "Sing Along with Bob" on Wednesdays have such a following?

It started with a few residents in the pub once a week to propose a toast and sing a few songs before dinner. The number quickly grew. Soon song sheets appeared and everyone in the room became involved. Resident Barbara Lauer decided to bring along her keyboard and that really "kicked it up a notch."

The pleasure of group singing escalated during the holiday season when the Freedom Carolers began practicing for their annual program. Participation in that group was open to anyone who wished to join in, and the group quickly grew to more than 40. They sang so well and garnered so many compliments they asked to continue, year-round.

All of this will culminate in April when Freedom Plaza forms its own chorus, with the name to be decided upon by the group. Quite a few residents are former community choristers and church choir members, some still active locally. Others simply enjoy singing with a group. Even those who qualify for the Bucket Brigade - which means they can't carry a tune in one - will be welcome and buckets will be furnished!

Don't expect to see advertisements for a formal choral concert on billboards immediately, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's reputation is safe...for the time being. It is not likely that 76 trombone players will suddenly materialize to march around the atrium.

What you may expect is to see more smiles on faces; you may even hear people whistling happy tunes. The power of music, made even on a small scale, when shared with others can work miracles.

Just ask Professor Harold Hill, who lives - at least in spirit - at Freedom Plaza.

Peggy Burgess is a creative consultant for Freedom Plaza.

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