The flooding in the Midwest has not only devastated residences and business, it also has damaged the entertainment and non-profit sector. The League of American Orchestras this week sent out a news release on the travails of the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra. Its administrative Offices (renovated just four years ago) were destroyed in the recent flooding of the Cedar River.

"As the waters began to fill the basement of the building, the staff labored to move as many instruments, archival records and production items to higher ground as quickly as possible. The office's computer equipment was not able to be moved before the estimated nine feet of flood waters overtook the building." Luckily no one was harmed and upper levels, housing including the music library and student pianos.

But the orchestra's historic Paramount Theatre, did sustain extensive damage. Cedar Rapids Symphony music director Tim Hankewich reports in his blog that "We've lost the Paramount and valuable instruments including a Steinway concert grand; yes, we've lost our offices, computers and hard drives; yes many of our studio pianos are in peril."

Executive Director Robert Massey, (who just joined the CRSO staff on June 1!) said "As we continue to prepare for the 2008-2009 season, alternate concert venues are under review." But here is where it gets interesting ... no, downright inspiring. On his blog Hankewich posted the following:

This flood has forced us to do what we've needed to do all along, and that's reach out into our communities and extending our footprint throughout the corridor. In years past this idea was given polite lip service but was never given priority because of perceived lack of will and/or interest. Now we have no choice. I have always said that I want the CRSO to be an orchestra not just for Cedar Rapids, but for Iowa City, the corridor, and beyond, I want us to be Iowa's Orchestra. Now in the face of adversity we find ourselves in the perfect position to do just that. Maybe I'm being a "Polly-Anna" in my views, especially in the midst of so much loss.

These are courageous words in light of the potentially debilitating and depressing situation. Everyone is hurting there, but to see this devastation as an opportunity for growth takes guts and vision. I salute Tim.

Here's the link to Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra's Web site for info about donations you can make if you wish or news in general about it.