I recently attended a wonderful Authentic Voice workshop with Stephanie Heidemann. At one point, she invited us to let our voices express the differing elements of earth, air, fire and water.
That reminded me of Orton Graves, a drummer with whom I played flute 30 years ago.
Days after we had met and briefly played together at a party, smeone asked me to play for her chakra workshop. She wanted a flute and a drum. (This was long before drum circles!) I called Orton, not knowing if he was familiar with chakras (he was). I said, "She wants us to play something different for each of the chakra colors, is that something you could do?" He said, "Sure, yes. In fact, I was just playing purple!"
Wow, was I excited! We continued to play together. Once, we recorded ourselves playing the seasons! Another time, we played on stage for an AIDS benefit. For that, we played the life cycle, birth to death. Somehow we were able to communicate, flute & drum, so that our music flowed and expressed whatever theme we chose.
Orton drummed for dance classes, and he taught drumming. He invited me to play with his class. I suggested, and he used, the name "Wild Palms: A Florida Percussion Group" when we performed.
It has been many years since we'd been in touch. I was looking forward to calling him and reminiscing. I just discovered it's too late.
When you think of someone, let them know. Don't postpone reaching out to reconnect.
R.I.P. Orton. May the music of your soul bring joy wherever you are.
