Encourage a child to appreciate live performance

In less than a week, hundreds of high school seniors from Burke County and thousands from beyond our borders embark on many new beginnings.
Although some of the technologies and opportunities have changed significantly in the past 20 or 30 years, there is no doubt that the majority of these young folks are making decisions right now that will set their course for many years to come.
Whether today's senior is headed to college, to a waiting job, or the military, this is an exciting time for him or her to become grounded and determined in these pursuits. Often seniors are asked, "Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?" It's not an easy question to answer, but looking well beyond this week or month, they all will soon realize that their decisions today can and will make a difference on many fronts.
CoMMA has made efforts throughout the seasons to bring young audiences into the theatre. So often we tend to want to bring the K-5 grades to a "kiddie" show once or twice a year. Now don't get me wrong, that is fine and there are some great stage performances for children that have tremendous substance in addition to being entertaining, but there is more to be considered.
There is so much competition today, mainly for our time, that some things that used to be in the top five are no longer even in the top 10. Family events, youth athletics, especially with the advent of travelling teams, church activities, boy and girl scouts, music lessons and so many other items compete for those hours and minutes.
We strive to make our children total, but sometimes we and they are forced to make decisions that leave out some of the essentials that help to make us whole.
CoMMA is here to help fill that need. Without being too artsy or too campy, Morganton's performing arts center exists, in part, to develop new audiences. Within that mission we cannot afford to wait until someone is in his or her 30s or 40s before he or she experiences and truly appreciates live performance.
Just as our schools produce and maintain dozens of competitive and intramural athletic teams, it would be my hope that we can encourage our children to become a discerning audience by attendance and attention to the performing arts. It seems only right for balance if nothing else.
We do not have to go to New York, London or even Charlotte, for it is here at our front door. Efforts to interest the K-5 group must be followed up with more opportunities throughout the middle and high school years. We cannot forget about the older students in this regard.
I have always maintained that there is something magical about live concerts, play, dance and the like. The "illusion of the first time" still offers something well beyond "play, pause, fast forward and rewind." But it just does not happen on its own.
So my point comes full circle in that I want to encourage parents to bring their children to CoMMA each year.
There are special student and child rates that allow the younger ones great seats at ticket prices well below what we would pay in the big cities. And, come with them; experience the show together. That's a touchdown every time.
So, seniors, if you are in the habit of attending live performances, congratulations, keep on doing it. If you are not, don't say you will do it when you have more time, because we all know how that usually ends. Come see us at CoMMA and attend your college's theatre or arena events, for I don't want to be writing this column in fifteen or twenty years asking you to bring your children to the shows, for I know you will already be doing it.
Believe me, just as you are now prepared now to take on the world, know that there is so much out there waiting for you to be a valued part of it all. Just go for it and you'll be glad you did.
Let's correct one error in regard to the upcoming BackPorch series at CoMMA. Diana and Sarvis Ridge will be in concert under the willow oaks on July 23, not July 9, as previously reported. And a late addition to the MainStage series is direct from the Emerald Isle Celtic Crossroads, on March 18. It's the eve after St. Patrick's Day, so you know that has to be lucky.
The new 2009-10 MainStage Morganton season brochure will be in the mail, out and about, in the next 10 days or so. Give us a call at 433-SHOW or drop my CoMMA at 401 S. College St. to make certain you have all the up-to-the-minute information.

Bill Wilson is the director of CoMMA.