December 4, 2007
Albany-- Many of you enjoyed an annual gift to the community Tuesday night in the form of music. Thousands of people filled the Albany Civic Center for the 16th Peppermint Pops Concert. Once again it helped south Georgians get into the Christmas spirit.
The sights and sounds of the holidays came in different forms at the Albany Civic Center. It's not often you see this side of a Marine-- the side that dances and plays an instrument for the holidays. It's the kind of spirit that is spreading all over town.
"We've been singing all the way over here on the radio," said Esther Chestang.
Peppermint Pops has been a tradition for 16 years. Esther Chestang has been a fan just as long.
"Ever since the beginning. I haven't missed one," said Chestang. Many in the audience didn't miss a note. Hundreds of people sang along to the Christmas favorites with the Albany Symphony Orchestra and Dougherty and Lee County choirs. At times people just sat back and let the music say it all.
"Oh my God, brought tears to my eyes. Puts you in that mood for Christmas," said Anthony Taylor. Taylor says with all the beautiful music, it gives him a chance to reflect on everything from the war to things here at home.
"We take so many things for granted in our country and we should be real thankful," said Taylor.
It's under the direction of a maestro that this musical event will set the tone for the rest of December and into the New year. That's a little something extra to be thankful for.
This was the first year the Albany Marine Band performed with the Albany Symphony Orchestra during Peppermint Pops. There was also a Peppermint Pops Chorus made of area high school choruses.
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