Obies get chance to perform in Opus

As a child, everyone dreams of being in the movies. Three Oberlin students consider themselves among the lucky few to realize this dream.

Mr. Holland's Opus, a new film about a music teacher aspiring to be a composer, stars Richard Dreyfuss and includes Double-degree sophomore Greg Akagi, college first-year Adam Franklin-Lyons and Conservatory first-year Dacy Gillespie.

Filmed in Portland, Ore. the movie Akagi described as a "tear- jerker" provided the opportunity for these musicians to appear on the big screen, work reportedly long hours for minimum wage and make music. Perhaps the highlight of the Hollywood stint was meeting the veteran actor, Richard Dreyfuss.

"I did get to meet Richard Dreyfuss. He's nice and funny and he joked with us. He knew nothing about conducting. But that was fine," Akagi said.

Thanks to "a really outgoing friend who wanted to go up to him and introduce herself," Gillespie was allowed to meet Dreyfuss, the actor who once portrayed Stand By Me's adult Gordie Lachance.

Gillespie agreed to be in the movie upon the suggestion that the final scene include a double bass player.

While a member of the Portland Youth Philharmonic, Akagi was called by an agency that requested the percussionist's talents for the film.

Franklin-Lyons took a chair for French horn.

The musicians said they are surprised by and pleased with the film's success. "The movie is very nostalgic and cheesy but it's kind of fun," Akagi said. Gillespie added that the plot is multifaceted, tying many sub-plots into one entity.

One such story thread concerns the budget crisis at Mr. Holland's school, which results in the elimination of the fine arts department.

Because "huge portions" of what was filmed were cut from the finished product, the local celebrities appear in only the final scene when the orchestra plays "American Symphony," the culmination of Mr. Holland's decades of creative efforts.

Regarding the musical ability of the professional counterparts, Akagi said, "All the actors in the movie who are playing could play, except for some actors who really couldn't."

Gillespie said, "When I saw the movie, it was really cool to see the shots of Portland, which I miss, and the football field [that was in several scenes] was my high school's field." She added, "It was interesting to watch the filming and all the people running around to the actors."

The filming schedule required the musicians to be on location for eight to 12 hours a day for several days and boredom ensued. To pass the dead time, Gillespie said they played cards and Frisbee.