The curtain has fallen on the ninth Pops at the Post concert, figuratively speaking. While the power of the music is still resonating with concert goers, now’s a good time to think about what the city and county can learn from this successful event and how we can build on it. The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra makes beautiful music; maybe it can teach the rest of us to be in better harmony.
The concert is a unifying force, drawing people together to share an uplifting experience. We could use more of that.

First, let’s talk about location. The Salisbury Post has been thrilled to see its utilitarian loading dock become the platform for a symphony concert year after year. Pops at the Post started as a one-time concert to celebrate the Post’s 100th anniversary, and it went so well that city leaders and area businesses pushed to repeat it. The loading dock area serves as a surprisingly effective band shell, and parking lots make it easy to set up chairs and tailgating.
But what if Salisbury had a real band shell for concerts and other performances? The downtown block containing the parking lots and the Bell Tower has looked pretty much the same since the 1970s, but few things are permanent. Could that block become a park or amphitheater? Maybe City Park could be the place for something like that.
Now that the clouds of the recession are lifting, dare we dream?
Then there’s the sense of excitement and togetherness the free, outdoor concert brings. Should that happen only in the city, or could the symphony find sponsors for a concert at Dan Nicholas Park or one of the county schools? It’s not strictly a “Salisbury” orchestra. The musicians come from across the Piedmont. And people in all corners of the county can appreciate fine music. Maestro David Hagy has already reached out to the Kannapolis community by partnering with the Piedmont Dance Theater on “The Nutcracker.” There may be other opportunities to broaden the symphony’s support and pull people together from all over the county to enjoy its concerts.

Marking his 25th year with the Salisbury Symphony, Maestro Hagy said recently he was drawn as a child to the “sociability of music.” It is indeed a formidable force, as is Hagy. Salisbury and Rowan County were fortunate indeed when he settled here and started reshaping the Salisbury Symphony. The proof of his work was in Saturday night’s concert, a lively, moving event. Bravo.
Hagy is known for having vision and always striving to make things better. That’s true of his music and his goals for the orchestra. May he inspire the rest of us to do the same and pull the community together in the process.