What an honor and a treat this evening, to be in the audience during my great nephew’s first concert. Ethan began playing the violin four months ago. Tonight he joined 100 other sixth graders as the Union School Orchestra took the stage.
My mom, my sister Linda, Greg and I traveled from Joplin to join Ethan’s family…his mom and dad, little brother Kaleb, and his Meem, who is my sister Debbie…for what will surely be the first of many such performances. Looking confident and handsome in his dress shirt and slacks, Ethan sat relaxed with his violin, ready to play.
Kaleb showing brotherly support by sporting a Union wrist bracelet that lit up.
The orchestra, composed of violins and violas, cellos and basses, performed seven selections. Included in the mix were familiar Christmas tunes and classics by musical greats such as Mozart. I was impressed with the obvious hard work and dedication that went into tonight’s concert. Four months is a very short amount of time, to go from learning how to sit and hold a violin or cello, to playing before a large audience.
And I was inspired as I sat, captivated. There are life lessons to be learned, in listening to and observing a group of musicians as they play. Each person focuses on his music, plays her notes to the best of her ability, allowing the other musicians the freedom to do the same. The individuals become the whole, together creating something bigger, something beyond their solitary notes.
I was struck this evening by the thought that I have been listening to my grandson, Dayan, as he has performed with his school’s marching band and orchestra for the past seven years. I have loved attending those events and concerts. Dayan is a senior in high school. And I have already felt sad that those times of sitting in a hushed audience as the musicians play were drawing to a close.
Tonight it feels like the baton is passing, from my grandson, who is college bound, to my great nephew, who has years yet ahead of him to play and create and perform. What a joy to realize that the music does go on. I will be there in the audience for Ethan, an appreciative fan, with a full and grateful heart.
Listen to the Union Orchestra perform Jingle Bells HERE.
