The Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

So… here’s a question I never dreamed that I’d be asked:

“How does it feel to be the mom of a guy who wrote his own original music for / and performed with a professional symphony and choral group?”

Let me backtrack just a bit, for any of you who might be lost. Back in the fall of 2011, Tony Memmel (our son) worked with the Madison Youth Choirs as their “Artist in Residence.” Tony met and mingled with the various groups of kids, and worked with the directors to teach the children his own music.  The three concerts performed that day turned out to be inspiring, amazing and special.  

That day, Tony was approached by one of the dads who happened to be the conductor of the “Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra.” He loved what he’d heard and seen during the concert, and knew that his daughter had enjoyed the experience. He asked if Tony might be interested in someday working with his group as well. Tony said yes!

Tony had a lot of work to do. He needed to decide which of his songs would translate best into orchestral and choral works. After choosing five pieces, the challenge began – he needed to write the music - all of it. He wrote parts for violins, cellos, string basses, drums, piano, oboe, etc. He wrote vocal parts for sopranos, altos, baritones and basses. He submitted everything to the conductor (the dad from Madison) and he and Tony consulted together to ensure all the creations melded together.   

The concert date was set for March 15, 2014. Tony Memmel and his Band, which includes his wife, Lesleigh on piano and back-up vocals, and their friend/drummer, Brian Farvour, would play alongside the Sheboygan Symphony & Chorus.

On Saturday, Todd and I picked up my dad (Tony’s grandpa) and we drove the 75 miles north. The conductor held a casual coffee/dessert session prior to the concert. Almost 100 ticket-holders met to listen as he described the pieces of music that the groups would be playing/singing that evening. When he got to Tony’s pieces of music, he asked for Tony & Lesleigh to go up to the front. He interviewed them with questions like how they met, what their musical backgrounds consisted of, what inspires him to write good songs, their affiliation with the Lucky Fin Project and the work that the organization does, etc. Both of them introduced their families, and I felt so proud to stand up with Todd, and show the room that this handsome, talented young man was our son; and this lovely young woman our daughter-in-law.

During intermission, the stage was set with the choir’s risers, the grand piano, and Brian’s drum set. We socialized with so many who had come out to support Tony – family members, old friends, people from our church - even our (now-retired) pastor who had baptized and confirmed Tony, and married him and Lesleigh. One Lucky Fin mom even flew in all the way from the east coast to be a part of the weekend.

When we took our seats I knew that the moment had arrived - ‘this was it.’ As always, I lifted up a silent prayer for good health, strong voice, and confidence. My heart skipped a beat when the kids took the stage. They looked so good – Lesleigh in her red dress and black sweater, the cowboy boots on her feet from when we shopped in Nashville; and Tony in his black pants and vest, with a nice shirt (not plaid this time) and tie. The conductor raised his arms and began the Overture to “Here We Go.” The strings struck up their chords, sounding like a day dawning, a sun rising, and from there the music built. By the time they got fully into the songs with all of the instruments playing and all of the voices harmonizing, tears rolled from my eyes and I just sat back and enjoyed every minute.

For those of you who’ve read my book, “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference,” you know that in Chapter 53 I reference Tony’s ability to write music. Just like Todd can envision a construction project in his head, with every nail in its final place, Tony can envision in his mind, a piece of unwritten music – solos, harmonies, instruments, etc. The same gift, but different. Here’s the link:  http://www.amazon.com/Five-Fingers-Ten-Toes-Difference/dp/1478368055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395179532&sr=8-1&keywords=katie+kolberg+memmel

In my opinion, the symphony/orchestra performance proved that theory a hundred percent. And this post would not be complete without a shout-out to the symphony's conductor, Dr. Kevin McMahon, who was able to share Tony's musical vision. He worked with his musicians and made the music sound amazing. Thank you so much...

I know that I’ve said this before, but I feel it bears repeating… when my son was a few hours old, I had his entire life in question. Without a left forearm or hand, how would he ever play sports or music? Would anyone ever love him? And of course, by now, you know the answers… In 2009, without a left forearm or hand, he married Lesleigh, the love of his life. She sings and plays piano in his band, she’s his biggest fan, and has his back in all situations. Without a left forearm or hand, he learned to play the guitar, has a beautiful voice, and has recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue more music. And last Saturday night, without a forearm or hand, he performed his pieces for an audience of 700-plus, with a talented group of 100 instrumentalists and vocalists.  

Suffice to say that yes, I cried all those years ago; but the tears I’m crying now are for a whole new beautiful reason. Now I ask questions like is there anything that he won’t do? And I think you all know the answer to that.

So let me go back to the initial question of this post:  “How does it feel to be the mom of a guy who wrote his own original music for / and performed with a professional symphony and choral group?”

My answer is this: I feel that God is good and faithful. I feel proud that Tony has worked hard and doesn’t quit. But most of all, I feel blessed – blessed beyond measure.

Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference.” For more information, go to her website at www.katiekolbergmemmel.com