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“Bye-bye Symphony, Hello Hollywood!”

Despite the sweltering July humidity, dreamy lovers romanced to twinkling stars and sparkling candles as the Atlanta Symphony serenaded with the magical melodies of the guest conductor at the podium—Henry Mancini—world-renowned film and television composer. As a member of the trumpet section, I sat next to Mr. Mancini’s lead trumpeter, and when he suddenly fell ill from the southern heat, I agreed to play the next solo. Thirty seconds later I was standing before the Maestro to play the jazz solo on his theme to Peter Gunn. Little did I know as I packed up my horn for the night, that within 48 hours I would be invited to join the Mancini team of touring musicians, and to follow the international compass of the master of melody.