I was really nervous before my first rehearsal with the Athens Symphony Orchestra. I knew other orchestras where there is a lot of posturing and being more than a little afraid of the conductor. There is beautiful music to be sure, but there is also pressure. So I wasn’t sure what to expect. Then we started playing, and I was so relieved and had this deep sense of rightness.

We were reading Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky/Ravel, and it became clear - in the best possible way - that making mistakes was okay. The members were friendly and so glad that we were all able to be together playing. We worked hard on that piece and a few others every Monday night for a few months and then we played a great and free concert for the community on a Sunday afternoon.

Everyone from high school kids to a wonderful woman named Nancy who is nearly 100 years old sits in our orchestra. This is a true community orchestra. How often do 150 people put forth a group effort simply to make something beautiful for themselves and for the community? We need more like this in our lives.

If you would like, put your name in the hat for the knife below, and, if your name is drawn, we ask that you make a direct donation to the orchestra, and we will send the knife to you as a gift.

THE October SALE IS CLOSED

YOU MAY VIEW THE KNIVES FROM OUR October SALE BELOW, THOUGH THEY ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

8" Walnut Burl Chef

Blade: Roller bearing @ HRC 64

Handle: Octagonal integral Walnut burl with leather and Aspen Burl spacers

Notes: 187g. 51mm deep

Sources: Roller Bearing- industrial scrap, Birmingham, AL.

Walnut burl, bought stock.

Aspen burl, Twin Lakes, MI.