Leland Clark Beach

I played in the New Orleans Symphony 2nd violin section, sitting near the percussion section with Leland, David DeGroot and Doug Cade on tympani and if not reading a magazine or book, I'm sure they were counting the measures for their next entrance. Rest in Peace.

Before attending my first symphony concert as a school girl, I asked my older sister who had attended concerts with my parents what should I watch. She told me to watch the percussion section and I did. I got hooked on watching Leland Beach and I watched him for years. He could be interesting to watch even when just sitting awaiting his turn to play. I remember him reading a book while awaiting his time. I remember the time the orchestra played Ravel's "Boléro" and they moved him out...