For weeks, ads were on TV and social and print media touting the free joint appearance by members of the combined Altoona and Hollidaysburg community bands and the Altoona Symphony Orchestra at PNG Field on Saturday, June 20.

But as the time drew nearer and nearer, so did black rain clouds. We arrived at the ballpark along with others looking forward to the musical evening. All the while we were watching the dark clouds approaching from the north. Just a passing cloud or two, we hoped.

No, they stalled right over PNG Field.

The idea was that the community bands would play behind home plate inside the concourse first, and then the ASO would play outside at home plate. Chairs were set up at both locations. We strolled through the concourse till the music started.

Suddenly we heard Americana music and so made our way to the steps close to where the bands were set up. The whole time they were playing, members of the ASO were moving instruments from the soggy outside to inside the concourse.

After the bands finished to loud applause, the symphony moved in to take their places. They started a little late, but those of us who were hunkered down on the cement steps didn’t mind as we watched with amazement as this orderly transition took place before us.

I am not a musician, but to my ear, I didn’t hear a false note played during the entire evening by either musical group. We, and our newfound friends sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with us, couldn’t get over the dedication, focus, and discipline of these musicians as they played with perfection.

We heard music by Sousa, Copland, Ellington, Rodgers, Anderson, Mancini and Tchaikovsky. The Logan Township Fire Company added to the 1812 Overture by providing a couple of “booms” at the appropriate times.

Fireworks were promised so we went up to the top level to see them. It was raining but not badly. Suddenly the sky was filled with red, white and blue colors as the ASO played “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

And then it was over.

As we made our way to our car, the rain came down more forcefully. We got into our vehicle and looked at each other. What had we just witnessed! Wow! We’re still replaying that evening over and over in our minds.

A sincere thank you to all who made this night so memorable from the PNG staff to the firemen, to the musicians and conductors and their staffs.

Oh, what a night!

Alice Richardson lives in

Hollidaysburg.