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It was last Friday night in Lowell and we were at the United Teen Equality Center for a free concert. The event was a farewell to UTEC’s organ which would be played its final time before being dismantled into 1,000 pieces and shipped to a church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Fulbright scholar and renowned organist Steven Ball had flown in from Michigan to play the historic instrument, which was built in 1887, weighs about 10 tons, and is 25 feet tall. Even though the organ has not been fully restored yet, the sounds from this ancient instrument were truly impressive as only a 2,000 pipe organ can be. The music filled the chambers and spilled out the windows onto Hurd Street as we left early for our second event of the night—the farewell performance of the SRO players. 

The Standing Room Only players, led by Michael Lally of the Whistler House, has been entertaining locals for more than 20 years; some of the original members began performing together at Lowell High School three decades ago. It was fitting that their final performance to a packed audience was at the LHS auditorium. And what a show—three hours of best-loved show tunes, dancing, and costume changes. In addition to their wonderful voices, this animated group brings a love of music, an energy, and a connection that transcends mere sound and engages the audience with infectious enthusiasm. Guest solo performances by Lura Smith and Jeanine Graham were also excellent, and the whole show was an entertaining extravaganza. At the risk of being blatantly elitist, I couldn’t help thinking that the talent and range of this local group is reflected today in the many talented students we have at Lowell High School. Thank you to all the SRO players who have entertained us so well these many years. We will miss you.