CLASSICAL MUSIC
ASO recruits Falcon Blalock to lead music education campaign
Atlanta Falcon Justin Blalock didn’t just play football in school, he also played tuba, and continues to play drums and guitar. That’s why the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra draftedthe left guard as a spokesman for its “When I Play Music” campaign, as announced Wednesday, in which $5 donations support ASO music education outreach.

“Growing up in Texas as an athlete and musician, I discovered first-hand that playing tuba in my school’s orchestra helped me thrive in all areas of life,”Blalock says in a video about the campaign (view it at www.atlantasymphony.org/blalock). “It’s well known that when kids play music, they achieve higher test scores, have more confidence, better concentration and experience a sense of achievement.”

Blalock will also host and guest conduct during the ASO’s annual “side-by-side” summer concert at 7:30 p.m. June 14, during which members of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra perform alongside their professional peers onstage in Symphony Hall. Blalock will lead the combined orchestras in John Williams’ “Raiders March” from the “Indiana Jones” films. Tickets: $5 (404-733-5000, www.atlantasymphony.org).

Blalock runs the Justin Blalock Foundation, helping Atlanta and Dallas students ages 11-18 strengthen family relationships through athletics and education. HOWARD POUSNER

EVENT
True battle stories on tap
The Atlanta History Center will salute those who have served during a Veterans Remembrance Day event, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent  conflicts will share their personal accounts and memorabilia, and living history interpreters will represent soldiers of earlier wars. Military uniforms, equipment and vehicles will be displayed. Free with regular center admission (waived for military with ID). 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-814-4000, www.atlantahistorycenter.com/vrd. HOWARD POUSNER