Episode 21: Cincinnati Pops Conductor John Morris Russell - Music and Baseball

We Love Our Team

In this episode of We Love Our Team, Randy and Jack interview John Morris Russell, conductor of the Cincinnati Pops. They discuss John's musical background, his recovery from rotator cuff surgery, and upcoming concerts. They also talk about the Cleveland Guardians (fka the Indians) and Cincinnati Reds baseball teams, including the Rocky Colavito curse and the history of the Reds.
The conversation touches on the importance of music education and the connection between music and sports. Randy, Jack, and John share their favorite ballpark foods and discuss the musical themes associated with baseball teams, and the intersection of music and baseball. They explore the role of music in creating a memorable game experience, including walk-up songs for players and theme songs for teams.
The trio also discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration in both music and sports. The conversation highlights the similarities between the audition process for symphony musicians and the scouting process in baseball. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the power of music to enhance the fan experience and create a sense of unity and excitement.
Takeaways

• John Morris Russell is the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops and has conducted orchestras around the world.
• The Cincinnati Pops has collaborated with the Cincinnati Reds on various projects, including Friday concerts and fireworks shows.
• The conversation highlights the importance of music education and the connection between music and sports.
• The hosts and John share their favorite ballpark foods and discuss the musical themes associated with baseball teams. Music plays a crucial role in creating a memorable game experience in baseball, from walk-up songs for players to theme songs for teams.
• The audition process for symphony musicians is similar to the scouting process in baseball, with both requiring talent, skill, and the ability to work well with others.
• Music and sports both teach important life skills, such as teamwork, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.
• The power of music lies in its ability to bring people together, create a sense of unity, and enhance the overall fan experience.
• The intersection of music and baseball provides endless opportunities for creativity and innovation, from unique walk-up songs to orchestral performances at games.
• Sound Bites
  • "Let's strike it up. Let's strike it"
  • "The Reds, the Eric Kunzel song."
  • "Well, they're trying, I think for the last several seasons, they've been trying to sort of force feed that country song. One more hour and I'll be home, you know."
  • "Can you imagine there at seventh inning or wherever it is and you're playing I Feel Good and everyone in the stands starts dancing along with it?"
  • "He surrounded himself with really good people and he had extraordinarily high standards and every night they would kill it."
  • "I'm just envisioning the symphony. I don't know if it would be a bass drum. What would you, what duh, duh, duh, I mean, is that, you"

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