Our story on the Susanville Symphony a couple of weeks ago wasn't one of The Bee's most important in conventional terms, but I found it among our most memorable.
Why? Because this story was simply joyous, speaking to the transformative power of music and of human connection.
I wanted to come back to the Susanville story, published Oct. 31, because it offers an antidote to the discontent and cynicism Californians express in public opinion polls and so many other ways these days.
Susanville's success with its orchestra reminds us that people who want life to be better can make it so – by participating.
In the Sacramento region, all kinds of community efforts, from big decisions by government to neighborhood-level involvement, provide that opportunity.
And while many people feel too stressed or stretched to reach out, the Susanville experience argues that people who want more reward from life can make it happen.
If you missed the story, by reporter Stephen Magagnini and photographer Manny Crisostomo, here's a brief version.
In Susanville, a desert town of 9,000 known mostly for its state prison, an orchestra made up mostly of volunteers has become a hit.
Led by a former trumpet prodigy and soccer coach named Ben Wade, the symphony has nearly 500 season ticket-holders, sells out most of its shows and has spawned a youth orchestra.
It boasts the "world's oldest bassoon player," who's 94, and other orchestra members, including high school students, a minister, a barber and a nurse – and several current or former prison employees.
Magagnini and Crisostomo told the Susanville story superbly in words, still photographs and an exuberant video that shared both the music the symphony makes and the community's love of that sound.
Mainly, Magagnini and Crisostomo captured a story about connection: among musicians of varying ability and experience playing for their neighbors and friends, all for the joy of it.
"They have made something from nothing, and it's something that's really captured the spirit and soul of the people up here, struggling to make it under adverse conditions," Magagnini told me the other day.
He heard from a man in Sacramento (250 miles southwest of Susanville) who sent a $500 donation to the symphony and from others "who called or e-mailed to say they have just been moved by this."
We live in times when many forces seem to drive people apart rather than together. Yet public life offers many ways to connect, and you don't have to be in Susanville to find them.
In our region, dozens of nonprofits, school booster clubs, neighborhood associations and the like work constantly to improve life and help others.
Arts groups perform and hold workshops. And yes, we also have local orchestras.
In The Bee, we've increased our emphasis on information that helps you connect. You might notice this in small boxes with stories that tell you how to participate or learn more.
At sacbee.com/helpingothers, you'll find an ongoing list of local nonprofits that need support. Our calendars list all kinds of public events, from government meetings to arts and sports.
Whether you're a player or a cheerleader, as the Susanville Symphony shows, you can be part of the music of community life.
It could even be fun.
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Reach The Bee's editor, Melanie Sill, at (916) 321-1002.
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