Music takes a different path during the Macon Symphony Orchestra’s “Macon Symphony goes to the movies,” presentation in early April. Music has always been a gift to conductor John Simons. His involvement with the symphony began with his time as a professor at Mercer University. He worked as the head of the Artists and Programming Committee for numerous years. Dr. Simons served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Macon Symphony Orchestra from 2007 to 2010. This committee planned the 2009-2010 Macon Symphony Season. He vacated the seat upon moving to Ft. Worth to start a new job. His time with the Macon Symphony is not over just yet, however. He will be the conductor for the specialized concert and journey back to Georgia once again.

“Film music is a beautiful and true American art form. I wanted to come back and give temporary help to the symphony, because I moved to Ft. Worth, Texas in August of last year. It is going to be a wonderful way to spend an evening, listening to great music from some pretty iconic films,” Dr. Simons said.

The show will feature 14 movie musical numbers, and last, with an intermission, a little over two hours. It will feature all types of musical numbers from Gone with the Wind, to Star Wars and even James Cameron’s Titanic.

The concert will be held at Peabody Auditorium at 7:30 p.m., on April 2. The concert will not only feature the conducting skills of Dr. Simons, but also Georgia College’s new addition to the Music Department, Dr. Victor Vallo, Jr.

“He will guest conduct for the concert. Milledgeville is so fortunate to him have as their new chair for the Music Department,” Dr. Simons said.

Music has been an inspiration to Dr. Simons his entire life. Not only has it comforted and given him joy throughout teaching, but it has also inspired an entire career.

“Music is how I express joy. It transformed me. Music has transformed me into a better person. I find so much love and understanding in life and this has spilled over into my music. Music helps me to celebrate every part of God’s creation, and I cannot imagine my life without music,” Dr. Simons said.

In a world where children from bad homes often end up neglected and thrown around a system, Dr. Simons has witnessed incredible changes when music is tossed into the equation.

“I have seen music reach out into a community to teach a child there is more to life than their current circumstance. Music influences a culture. I use music to make people, instead of using people to make music,” Dr. Simons said.

The concert should be energetic and moving, giving audiences of all ages a special nostalgia for famous show tunes. By becoming a little more versed in music, as well as enjoying melodies from the silver screen, audiences can learn a little bit more about the marriage of movies and music. Tickets for adults are $38.50, student tickets are $18.50, and tickets for children 12 and under are $12.50. For more information about “Macon Symphony goes to the movies,” log on to www.maconsymphony.com, or call (478) 301- 5144.