Ray Barnsbury

Thanks Joe! And just for the record, I love E.T. just as much. It just depends on what I've been listening to more lately. I'll probably . . . shhhh! . . . . *vote for E.T. as well!* . . . . jump1 Ray Barnsbury

It's a wasted vote Well you are free to vote however you want, but I'll thank you not to make me feel badly about the way I voted. Ray Barnsbury

WOW! I'm so happy for you, but also rather envious. Here's why . . . Around JW's birthday in Feb, I sent him a letter. I put a lot of thought in it and wrote about how much his music means to me, my favorite compositions, how I got into the music, and thanked him for all he'd done. I also included my school picture so he'd know who I was, a picture of my JW themed b-day cake my mom made, and a self-addressed stamped envelope (just in case). Then, last Monday, the day after I got his autograph at Cleveland, I received my envelope back. It containedno writin, no explanation whatsoever, but it had the cake picture in it, with his autograph. So I was happy about that, but I was really hoping for something written. Or what you got. Oh well, in any case, congrats! Ray Barnsbury

Excellent recollection Harry!!! You are very observant, and a gifted writer. It was truly a pleasure to read about this wondrous event from another viewpoint. BTW, I went to the left backstage area right after the concert. I was with my younger brother, mom and dad. I saw several other people there too. Did you (or maybe it was the lady who told us to go away) say something like "It was worth a try?" I remember someone about your age either saying that or responding to the woman saying that. Anyway, great review, thanks so much for sharing! Ray Barnsbury

Obsess over something else more worthy like Star Trek :roll: Ray Barnsbury

Ray Barnsbury

Dumbledore's look of triumph certainly is mysterious. Perhaps he is not what we think he is. I agree that H and R will probably happen, given the events of book #4. At least more likely than H and H. And remember what Dumbledore said at the end of GoF? Sometihn about when the time comes, everyone will have to choose what side they are on. This makes me wonder if there will be a conflict between Harry and someone close to him caused by Voldemort . . . sort of a turning to the dark side type of thing. Ron would be an interesting candidate for this. Ray Barnsbury

Happy Birthday Harry!!!! And since Harry does not actually live in the real world, I don't think he ages every one of our calendar years. But whatever, it's a day to celebrate anyway! Ray Barnsbury

I know you voted for E.T. I would have too, but since I have two favorite scores, I voted for Far and Away. It needs a vote more than E.T. does. Ray Barnsbury-expecting Star Wars to win

Thanks everyone! I appreciate you reading. Morlock-I hope you have a great time at the concert!!! Good luck with getting an autograph! Ren-Sorry that Williams isn't conducting at your concert. But at least you'll be hearing his music. It should be a wonderful experience for you! Ray Barnsbury

Here's to that! Ray Barnsbury

Anybody I know? :roll: Figo, wondering why we can't all just get back to slamming Morn. No, Figo. I'm sure you've never met. And you're free to resume slamming Morn. I just wanted to answer the thread topic. So sorry for the inconvenience. Ray Barnsbury

Wow, I really missed a lot. I'm surprised at how some people actually view their opinion as fact. In any case, I enjoy the Jurassic Park score slightly more than Jaws, and I enjoy the Jurassic Park movie immensely more than Jaws. I've agreed with Merkel through the whole debate, and I think we had very similar experiences regarding JP. As a nine-year old there is nothing more exciting than seeing real(istic) dinosaurs on screen. That is one reason I like JP more - I grew up with it. However, watching the movies now, I still like JP a lot more. Jaws is quite enjoyable, but there are points in the movie where I ask "It's not over yet?" It just doesn't have the awe and excitement and story that captivate me like JP does. I'm sorry for those of you who "know" that Jaws is a better film, but that's my opinion. I can understand people that like Jaws better, so I hope you can understand my opinion. About the scores, I think Jaws does more for the film than JP, but not much. Just imagine the journey to the island scene in JP w/o the trumpet fanfare. Zero excitement. Just a helicoptor flying over a pretty island. And the first appearace of the brachiosaurus without music would still be pretty cool, but with the music it becomes one of the most awe-inspiring and memorable movie sequences. Like I said before, the Jaws score does more for the film, but my personal preference is Jurassic Park. Ray Barnsbury

I agree. Although I really enjoy Elfman's scores, Superman takes the cake. Movie wise, Batman and Batman Forever are quite good (although very different), and Superman is okay, but Spider-Man is my favorite from the list. It affected me more deeply than any of the others. Ray Barnsbury-who needs to wach Superman again somtime

Good, Harry. Then we can have two complete reviews! Ray Barnsbury

I've noticed this as well! It's very effective at wrapping up pieces of music. Other notable examples are The Patriot, A.I's The Reunion, and the Theme from Jurassic Park (soundtrack version). Ray Barnsbury

Hey guys!!! I just posted my "review," under the thread "Returned from Cleveland Concert." I'm glad you're looking forward to reading about it! Ray Barnsbury

Hello everyone! I just got back today from "John Williams Salutes the Silver Screen" in Cleveland, Ohio. Being my first time to see this amazing man in person, it was an incredible evening. Since I love to read about others' experiences at this type of event, I thought I'd share mine with you. My family and I arrived almost two-and-a-half hours before the 7:30 show, to make sure we were able to park and find our way around. I'll describe my pre-concert experience a little later. The concert was held at Blossom, a huge outdoor theater. The stage and about 5,000 seats are under an immense roof (this area is called the Pavilion), but other than that, it's completely outside. Behind the seats is a grassy hill where about 13,000 more people can sit on blankets or lawnchairs they bring themselves. Our seats were in the Pavilion a little off to the right, and nine rows back. I had an excellent view of Mr. Williams! It was quite warm during the first half of the show, and very stuffy. I felt a little light-headed a couple times, but getting some fresh air at intermission helped me feel better for the rest of the performance. Okay, now on to the good stuff! When Mr. Williams finally walked out onto the stage, I could not stop grinning. It's so cool to see him in person. There was no introduction, he just stepped out to much applause from the audience, and they began Sound the Bells. It was a very nice, festive opening for the evening. Then came Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It was the version from the Greatest Hits, except with less in the middle; there was no Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. It was played very well, and when the five note theme finally appeared, it was fun to see people look at each other in recognition. After that, much to my delight, Mr. Williams stepped up to the microphone. It brought a smile to my face just to hear him speak. He thanked everyone for being there, and said how much of a privelege it was for him to be able to work with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. He was very generous, just like I've heard he is. He talked a little about American Journey, and then they played Immigration and Building, Sports and Entertanment, and The Civil Rights Movement. I know these pieces from the American Journey CD, and they are very nice played live. More stirring than when heard on CD. Two Pieces from Angela's Ashes were played next. The first was the theme played beautifully by solo cellist Stephen Geber. I don't know what the next was, since I've only heard the main theme. One of the highlights of the performance came next: Adventures on Earth from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. As soon as the flutes and strings began the introduction to the chase fanfare, there was an excited rumbling from the audience. It was so great to hear this brilliant piece played live! John hurried offstage for intermission. I was a little worried about him. It was hot, and he was wearing a tuxedo. Plus, he's 70 years old. Not exactly the ideal situation. But he was back for the next half, and started with Flight to Neverland from Hook. It was magnificent. Although there were a few minor differences from the Greatest Hits recording, I enjoyed it immesely. Next was Selections from Far and Away. I must say, this was my favorite part of the concert (but not by much!). The program listed five selections: County Galway, June 1892, The Fighting Donnelys, Joseph and Shannon, Blowin' off Steam, and Finale. County Galway ws the same as on the CD, except without the bagpipe intro or the main theme at the end; just the haunting Irish theme. The next four pieces were actually the End Credits. The Fighting Donnelys was the beginning of the end credits, and Joseph and Shannon was the following statements of the main theme. Blowin' Off Steam was the fighting music, and the finale was the rest of the End Credits. It was breathtaking. Johnny came to the mike again to talk about Harry Potter. He said that it was this time last summer that he had been working on Sorceror's Stone (which received applause) and that this summer he was working on Chamber of Secrets (to more applause). There was no mention of Williams Ross. The program had a slightly wrong listing of which pieces were to be played, but Mr. Williams talked about each piece before they played anything, clearing up any confusion (but mistakenly reffering to Hedwig as"he"!). The orchestra played Hedwigs Theme (same as on CD), the soundtrack version of Diagon Alley with a bit of a different ending, Quidditch, and Harry's Wondrous World (same as on soundtrack, except with a more bombastic ending). These pieces perfomed live, especially the first and last, were simply amazing. They proved that after all his years in the business, Williams is still the master (not that I needed to have it proved to me), and it was obvious that the rest of the audience agreed. Next was Across the Stars (Love Theme from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones), as it was listed in the program. It was played excellently, and sounded pretty much identical to the soundtrack recording. Very moving. After this Mr. Williams turned around and bowed, unbuttoning his jacket. Amidst a roar of cheers, he continue to undo his bowtie, smiling shyly. The audience laughed with glee and cheered harder. It was great. The excitement rose throughout the crowd as everyone anticipated the next piece. With no introduction necessary, Mr. Williams led the orchestra in the always uplifting Main Title from Star Wars. The audience burst into wild applause. It was FANTASTIC! Finally, Mr. Williams and the orchestra took one "final" bow and he exited to the back of the stage. But we in the audience knew better and cheered him back out. He waved some more and then motioned as if asking "One more?" We yelled our agreement and he struck up the orchestra in a rousing encore of .......................................................................................The Raiders March! The more seasoned fans in the audience cheered as soon as we heard the opening bars, and the rest did when the trumpet played the theme. This is a great encore piece, and it really got the crowd fired up. After the closing "BUM-BUM-BUM-BUM," he bowed again and walked offstage. However we all rose to our feet once again to cheer him back out. He returned, thanking us very graciously, and the noise quickly died down as he took the microphone. He told us that they thought we might be getting home too late for the news, so they would send us off with The Mission Theme! He said that when he wrote it for NBC 20 years ago, they told him that if they ever played the entire piece, it would be on a slow news day. "Well, in 20 years, there were no slow news days," he laughed. "So here it is." Even after this introduction, many people laughed out loud as they realized what was being played. After that, he exited the stage once more. We continued to stand and cheer, and I could see him drinking from a water bottle just backstage. He soon returned once more. I was hoping for Superman, as were several people around me who were yelling for it, but they played The Stars and Stripes Forever. This was no disappointment, and it roused the audience even more. Finally, with more waves of gratitude, he exited the stage for the last time, followed closely by the orchestra. We headed for the green room, but according a rather snippy woman, "Mr. Williams is not receiving any guests." I wasn't too disappointed, however, because of what happened before the concert . . . . We arrived early enough to hear the orchestra rehearsing Raiders and the Mission (so the encores were no surprise). Since there was so much time before the concert, we decided to sit in the grass and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This was my first glimpse of Mr. Williams; I could see him conducting the rehearsal from where we were. My dad suggested that we go down there to get closer look, and that I should take my CD covers I brought with me to get signed. I thought he wanted me to interrupt the rehearsal asking for an autograph. I was horrified that my first memory of Mr. Williams would be him yelling at me for disturbing the practice, so I didn't want to. But I took my things, and my dad and brother and I went down to the first couple of rows to watch him rehearse. We were so close! And to see him run a rehearsal . . . so exciting. After a moment he dismissed the orchestra members and sat down on a chair at the edge of the stage to receive the few people who were waiting for him. The other ten or so people down there rushed into a line to get his autograph. I saw the oppportunity of a lifetime, so I joined them. I heard him say something like "I should get moving," but I finally made my way up to him. I stared up at him and handed him my Greatest Hits CD cover. He asked me if I woud like him to sign it, and he proceeded to do so. I said, " Thank you very much!" As he finished writing, I reached up for my pen and he shook my hand! Am I ever glad he misunderstood!!! And that was it. No time for anything else. If only he knew I was thanking him for so much more than the autograph. I shoved my E.T. cover into my brother's hand and he got that signed as well. It was truly an amazing experience. Since then, I've been wishing so much that I could've at least said something more. But I'm thankful for what I got, which was more than I had hoped for. My dad also got some video and pictures of the "close encounter." I might be able to post them here. Thanks for reading! It was a magical day, one that I will never forget. I would encourage anyone seeking a meeting with Mr. Williams at a concert to attend rehearsals or arrive very early, and I wish you all the best of luck should you endeavor to do so in the future! Ray Barnsbury

Yeah, that sounds about right. I will definitely be taking a camera. And we're leaving in a couple hours, so have a GREAT time, Harry (and anyone else who's going)!!! I will be looking for your Gryffindor robes in the crowd! Ray Barnsbury

Anyone know anything about cameras (any kind) being allowed at Blossom? I would love to get some pictures of Johnny! Ray Barnsbury

Thanks Dan, I will take all the scores you suggested. I just hope I can get them signed! And by the way, my favorite non-winning score (and tied for first overall) is Far and Away, but the Harry Potter cover is cooler looking for my avatar. Harry, as far as other ideas of what to take, I can't think of anything that Dan didn'talready suggest. Oscar winners and favorites are the way to go. But what about compilation CDs, like Grestest Hits? Ray Barnsbury

Well, I am leaving along with my family tomorrow. We are spending a couple days at Cedar Point before heading to the concert. And I have an inquiry for more seasoned Williams fans than myself (I also posted this in the Harry/Dan/Jason/Ray/Ren/Hector Chat thread, but I don't think many people read that): I want to take some CD covers for Williams to sign in the improbable case that I will have the opportunity. What and how much is acceptable? Dan (Director) suggested a while ago to take the Academy Award winning scores, the two 2002 scores, and a favorite non-winning score. That's fine with me, I just don't want to be too demanding, depending on if there's a long line, etc. Plus, I might want to take the Greatest Hits cover too. One more thing: Are any types of cameras, video, still, digital, whatever, allowed to be used at Blossom shows? I wouldn't expect them to be, but I thought I'd ask just in case. Ray Barnsbury

Thanks for reviving the thread Harry! Yes, I am SOOO excited about the concert. Actually, my family and I are leaving tomorrow to visit Cedar Point for a couple days before going to Cleveland for the concert. I am planning on taking some things for him to sign, but I don't know how much is too much. Dan suggested to take the (4) Acadmey Award scores, Minority Report and AOTC, and my favorite non Oscar wining score, as well as the program and ticket stub. But that's 7 Cds, and I don't want to be too demanding. So what are you planning on taking? Ray Barnsbury

YES!!! I just found that WKAR (East Lansing, Michigan) is airing the Williams concert on Sunday, August 4 at 6 pm. Ray Barnsbury

Point taken. Ray Barnsbury