Lynchburg VA - Unfold your Aviators and locate your musty pilot’s hat for Lynchburg College’s (LC) annual, “A Night at the Movies,” with special focus this year on aviation!
On February 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, at 7:30 P.M. in Sydnor Performance Hall, audience members witnessed the history of aviation through the lens of Hollywood and music.
“A Night at the Movies” is performed by LC’s own Wind Symphony Orchestra and Big Band drawing from a large pool of potential soundtracks. This year’s theme is “Taming the Perilous Skies: Aviation in Film.”
Dr. Cynthia Ramsey one of the founding producers, said the production had humble beginnings:
“So, ten years ago, we didn’t have a screen in Sydnor. So, I remember Dr. (Oeida) Hatcher, and some of her helpers, got two screens, put sheets up, tied them up in the back, put them up on top in risers, so they would be up high enough and used a different projector,” said Ramsey.
The program started off with no specific theme, instead being more like a “montage,” according to Ramsey. Six years ago, however, there was a decision to choose one unique theme a year.
Last year was “Greatest Names in the Game” featuring sports movies, and before that was “British Movies” such as James Bond. Before those, they also did themes of historical news, and literature.
Lynchburg connections to this year's theme include Dr. Kenneth Garren, President of LC, who had previously worked for NASA. Andrew J. McKenna of the board of Trustees is also a pilot in his own right. Dr. Hatcher’s grandfather was an aviator and a mechanic during WWI, giving the show a personal connection for her as well.
Lee Anthony had donated a large amount of WWI memorabilia, currently being used for authentic props for the performance, as well as showcased in a display right outside of Sydnor Hall.
Jacob Elder, a clarinet player within the orchestra said, “I really enjoy it, I think it’s nice to give people exposure to something they wouldn’t really get in any other musical venue.”
Kenneth Bosley, is a vocalist, assistant in Syndor Performance Hall, and an graduate of Lynchburg College. When asked whether he had any prior knowledge of the music, Bosley stated “I did actually, a little bit. My dad was in the Air Force, so “Off We Go” … but the rest of them not so much.”