A Celebration of Spirit: Wes Anderson Conducts KGS

“Classical isn’t for old people — it’s for everybody.” The Knox-Galesburg Symphony presents A Celebration of Spirit — 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Orpheum Theatre — led by Wes Anderson, a musician who attended ROWVA schools His first live orchestra? KGS at age 12: “It felt like a rock show.” He studied with Louise Polay, Bruce Polay, Andy Crawford and Brian Daw — mentors who shaped his life and leadership. Now a sergeant in the 144th Army Band, a master’s student at Illinois State University and former ROWVA band director, Wes conducts with one rule: “Connection, not control.” This concert is a high-energy orchestral sampler — Nutcracker Suite, Carmen, In the Hall of the Mountain King — plus a work by the first American woman to write a symphony. New piece every 3 minutes. No dress code. Wear your favorite band tee. Wes calls Galesburg’s music scene “world-class” and wants every seat filled — especially by kids. Free tickets for all ROWVA students. School tours all week. Tickets: kgsymphony.org or Orpheum box office. [caption id="attachment_689172" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Wes Anderson in the WGIL studio ahead of his guest-conducting appearance with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. (WGIL)[/caption]