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The Boss helps tune children into music

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published December 15, 2005

More than 2,000 kids were treated to a Florida Orchestra concert Wednesday at Ruth Eckerd Hall, and at least part of the credit goes to Rudolph Ringwall.

Who?

Ringwall was associate conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner vividly recalls when he would go to Severance Hall as a kid to see the performances.

His parents, Rita and Henry Steinbrenner, made a point of introducing George to the arts, especially the orchestra.

"I've always had a liking for it," Steinbrenner said. "We would get out of school to go down to Severance Hall. It was a great orchestra."

Steinbrenner developed such an appreciation for the arts in those formative years that he eventually played drums in the marching and symphonic bands at Culver Military Institute in Indiana. At times, that meant playing football and then rushing to get his drum at halftime.

While Steinbrenner is best known for his success with the Yankees, his adoration for the arts led to another significant accomplishment on Broadway. He was the principle investor in the Tony-award-winning 1970 musical Applause and was nominated for a Tony in 1974 as one of the producers of the musical Seesaw.

Now Steinbrenner is passing on his passion to other youths. For the 17th consecutive year, the Steinbrenner family has staged its annual Christmas Holiday Concerts. More than 2,000 students from Pinellas County public schools heard the orchestra play holiday songs Wednesday. Last week, an equal number of Hillsborough students came to a show at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Naturally, the emphasis is on entertainment. The orchestra's Mary Pendleton excited the kids by playing the Harry Potter theme on the celeste, a keyboard instrument. They also got a kick out of the percussion section's funky version of Joy To The World.

Ballet International provided dancers for a trio of songs from The Nutcracker, and Hulk Hogan thrilled the kids with a rendition of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.

There also was an educational component. WTVT-Ch. 13 anchor John Wilson played host and explained to the students the four sections of the orchestra: woodwinds, strings, percussion and brass.

"There is so much emphasis on academics and tests like the SAT, but it's important for kids to be well rounded," Steinbrenner said. "The music and arts are very important."

Equally important to Steinbrenner is the reaction of the students. He got a standing ovation on Wednesday and reveled over how the kids were active participants, singing carols and clapping along with the percussion section.

At the end of the concert, the kids received an Adidas Yankees bag with 10 gifts, including a T-shirt and cap.

Philanthropy is a Steinbrenner trademark, and many of his acts of goodwill go unpublicized. The Boss said his motivation is rooted in benevolence.

"I've been lucky enough to be successful, and I want to pass it on," Steinbrenner said. "I don't want to die with all this money. I want to give to the people.

"I don't want to be the richest man in the cemetery."

If generosity is the measure of a man's wealth, Steinbrenner certainly will be one of the richest in spirit.

That's all I'm saying.

Ernest Hooper can be reached at 813 226-3406 or Hooper@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 15, 2005, 00:32:19]