Neb. Conductor: Music Can Help U.S.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Musicians can help the nation move forward from last week's terrorist attacks, the conductor of the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra said.

That's why Edward Polochick, who also is artistic director of Concert Artists of Baltimore, endured a 35-hour bus journey from Baltimore last week to prepare the Lincoln orchestra for its Tuesday performance.
"I would have crawled on my hands and knees across broken glass to get here,'' Polochick said.
"As musicians we have an important tool at our disposal to help the country move forward,'' he said. ``That tool is music. It can aid greatly in the healing process.''

Uncertain whether he could fly to Lincoln on Friday because of travel disruptions after the attacks in New York and Washington, and unable to get a train, Polochick bought a bus ticket last Wednesday.
He made a fort with his luggage and camped out in front of a gate for five hours in Baltimore to wait for the late bus.
He arrived Friday to begin preparing for Tuesday's performance, which included music selected as a memorial to victims of the attacks.

Symphonic music will be featured at a free concert in an Omaha park on Sunday. The Omaha Symphony and Salem Baptist Church choir will perform.