Three leaders vie for 'Maestro for a Moment'

Rick McKnight says he’s the only one qualified to conduct the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus.

Susan Andrews and Billy Blanchard don’t agree. They both want the “job.”

The three local civic and business leaders are trying to become the “Maestro for a Moment,” by raising money for the youth orchestra. Each of them is trying to amass as much money as possible, at $1 a vote.

The deadline is right up to the April 27 concert, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Bill Heard Theatre, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway.

McKnight is the organist and conductor of the choir at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and a huge supporter of the arts in Columbus. Andrews is the Muscogee County School District superintendent, and Blanchard is president of Columbus Bank & Trust.

“I am the only one who knows what to do with a baton,” McKnight said. “She (Andrews) has the people to teach her how to use it. I don’t know if she’s smart enough to do that.

“I feel like David and Goliath. She’s the head of the largest employer in the county — the school district. She’s giving away graduation passes. He’s the president of the largest bank around for miles. He’s giving away samples. I’m a little shop keeper (Kiddie Shoppe) with a side job (organist and conductor of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church choir). I’m just David going up against two Goliaths.”

As for Andrews, she’s in this competition after Richard Anthony (chairman and CEO of Synovus Financial Corp.) asked her to do it. She feels she owes Anthony after he stepped up to lead the charge in getting the last SPLOST passed.

“I have to win,” she said with a laugh. “I accused Billy Blanchard of exploiting his children on stage (at the kickoff). And I told everyone that Rick McKnight has a whole media marketing department. It’s unfair with (his wife) Marquette’s Media, Marketing and More.

“And Rick says he’s the only one who knows how to use the baton.”

So the gauntlets were thrown.

McKnight also says he’s got the leg up with symphonic experience. He’s been president of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. So has his son-in-law (Travis Wade), and his mother (Sherry Wade), too. His granddaughter has actually conducted the symphony.

So who better?

In all seriousness, McKnight said when he was a little boy, his family didn’t have much money. Someone gave his mother two tickets to a Columbus Symphony concert.

“I was mesmerized. I even remember what they played — the overture to ‘Die Meistersinger.’ I thought that was the most beautiful thing I’d ever heard. I don’t think so anymore, but that started my lifelong love of music. Children can learn life skills through music. Just like at the Springer Opera House, where they learn life skills through acting. Children learn an appreciation for it. That’s the whole thing. What can be a greater legacy to leave?”

McKnight says the three of them are doing their part for children and it’s a good thing to do.

“I make my living selling children’s clothing, toys and shoes,” he said. “I make my life through music.”

If you donate $10 in his name, he’ll give you a $10 coupon to use in the Kiddie Shoppe.

“It’s not fair,” Andrews said about the Kiddie Shoppe discount.

McKnight promised that if either Blanchard or Andrews wins, McKnight will be the bigger person: He vowed to teach either one how to properly use the baton.

The youth orchestra will perform selections by Sibelius, Bach, Smetana and other composers. The students are led by Jim Palmer.

Sandra Okamoto, sokamoto@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8580.