4,000 watch Manatee orchestras perform at McKechnie Field

4,000 watch Manatee orchestras perform at McKechnie Field

BRADENTON -- Benjamin Pearl sat beaming with pride in his seat Saturday as he watched and listened as his son, Alec, was introduced to conduct the Louise R. Johnson Middle School and Southeast High School orchestra.

"He's worked so hard for the last five or six years," Pearl said. "Now he's a senior and he's risen to the point where he gets to be the conductor and the arranger for all these kids."

The proud father said it was a wonderful feeling as he watched his son conduct a rendition of the Addams Family theme song. He was also impressed with the event overall, he said.

"It's such a wonderful turnout but parking was hassle," Pearl said.

An estimated 4,000 people gathered in McKechnie Field for the Concert in the Park featuring orchestras from Manatee County middle schools and high schools.

Students smiled to mask nerves as they performed before family and friends.

Fourteen-year-old Orin Taylor said he was nervous and excited before he took the field.

"This is my second year," Orin said.

He practices five times a week at school and at home. It still didn't stop the butterflies.

Once on the field, Orin said: "I was excited, nervous."

In the stands, numerous Manatee County School District officials watched, including Manatee County School Board member Dave Miner.

"It brought a few tears to my eyes how wonderful the music was," Miner said. "I am even prouder of my school district for providing this education to our students."

Miner said the music program provided students with "artistic development."

"I'm so glad I could be here," Miner said.

Miner added he was so happy to see such a huge crowd gather to watch students playing beautiful music.

Michelle Needham was one of the many parents trying to snap a photo as their child performed and then walked off the field.

"I was very proud," Needham said after watching her 13-year-old son perform with the Johnson Middle School orchestra.

Her son, Justin, was playing the chamber for his school for the first time, she said.

"It's a wonderful event to showcase all the talents of the students in Manatee County.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published November 14, 2015 at 9:27 PM with the headline "4,000 watch Manatee orchestras perform at McKechnie Field ."