Orchestrating a Dream

World War II veteran Bernie Brosky loves the orchestra. Given the choice between jazz and the symphony, he said he'd take the symphony every time. He has also often told friends and family that he would love to have the opportunity to conduct the orchestra himself. Dreamweaver Melanie Torok caught wind of this and went straight to Wheeling's own local orchestra.

On October 24, 2011, Maestro Andre Raphel visited resident Bernie Brosky at Wheeling Hospital's Bishop Joseph H. Hodges Continuous Care Center. Maestro Raphel invited Mr. Brosky and his family to attend the Wheeling Symphony's November 11 Masterworks II concert--An American Salute. At the concert, Mr. Brosky will be recognized not only for his service to our country but also as the Honorary Conductor of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.

Maestro Raphel also invited Mr. Brosky to conduct the orchestra in John Philip Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" at a rehearsal for the WSO's Masterworks III concert in March of 2012.

Second Wind Dreams National Director of Membership and Chapter Development Laurie Labishak chats with Bernie about his love of the orchestra.

The Wheeling Symphony's Maestro Andre Raphel leads Bernie through a conducting pattern.

Maestro Raphel applauds Bernie's conducting prowess.

Maestro Raphel and Bernie discuss the finer points of conducting and Bernie's upcoming trips to see and conduct the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.

For more photos, visit the Wheeling Symphony's Facebook page.

The Wheeling Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of Second Wind Dreams and Stages, Inc. (who will provide a dress suit for Mr. Brosky to wear to the concert) for their assistance in making Bernie's dream come true!