One of my favorite memories from living in Los Angeles was the one and only time my parents took me to the Hollywood Bowl. They went every year with a group from our church to see the Tchaikovsky Spectacular, and when I was eleven decided I was old enough to go.

I was so excited, because I had watched my parents go year after year, and wondered when it would be my turn. I would watch wistfully as they packed a picnic for two – complete with glasses for their wine – and headed out, leaving me and my siblings with a babysitter. I always wondered what it was like, going to a Bowl. Then the summer before we moved, my parents brought home three tickets instead of two. They packed root beer that year. I remember the bus ride – the first bus ride I’d ever taken – as the longest ride in the world. Then we arrived, and sat on the grass outside, eating our dinner. It was a perfect summer evening: nice and cool with a lovely breeze. After that we walked up the hill to the gift shop, where Daddy bought me a mug. I still have it, and it’s my favorite one. Then we rode on the ramps all the way up to the nose-bleed section in the Ws. I remember clinging tightly to my parents’ hands and hoping I wouldn’t fall off the ramp. We found our seats, and I couldn’t stop bouncing up and down so my patient mother took me for a walk around. We went as close as we could, and I stared and stared at the huge stage. The sun set, and we hurried back. The concert began, and even though our seats were so far the people were mere pinpoints on stage, I loved every minute. Who wouldn’t love sitting in the warm summer air, with the stars above your head and music flowing between your very toes? I’d never stayed up that late before, but I didn’t feel tired for a minute.

I loved the Spectacular part – the crash of the cymbals and the crackle of the fireworks. Sound filling every part of your body, lifting you up so high you could touch the moon, then letting you down with a whoosh to soar over the stage and out over the city. I went home after that; filled with a resolve that I didn’t identify until a few years ago, to one day play on that stage myself. Every practice session brings me one step closer to that dream.

The Hollywood Bowl is part of the family! My daughter went to Hollywood High and I remember her excitement the first time she attended an open rehearsal at the Bowl. She loved it so much that she eventually became a student rep for the LA Phil. I’d meet her after work and wait for her while she passed out fliers for the Phil, then we’d see the show. We spent several nights a week at the Bowl. In fact, she did so many she won rep of the year. Since we were non-drivers, it was quite a commute, but it was a wonderful time we’ll never forget.

Hollywood High graduates at the Bowl. Not only did she graduate onstage at the Bowl, but as a musician she played at 2 graduations and even sang onstage at her own graduation. Over the years, I’ve seen many wonderful shows there, including the wonderful Tchaikovsky event. My daughter even got music advice from a business associate who was also an orchestra member. Eventually, I also saw a friend who was an up-and-coming artist make his Bowl debut. What a thrill that was! I’ve taken so many photos there over the years and seen so many amazing artists. For me, the Hollywood Bowl has become a part of me, a home away from home.