They say that if the conductor can’t let his family ride for free, who can…so here goes.
My son is director of instrumental music at Royal High School in Simi Valley, California. He has been there just under two years. The annual concert was last night.
It was fantastic. This not so young man (he’s in his 30s) has taken that music program and created two jazz bands, a concert band and a truly world class wind ensemble. He had his dad alternatively in tears and standing cheering.
They played everything from Dizzy Gillespie (the jazz group) to A Raposidy in Blue. From March Slav to Star Wars. I knew my kid was good — but this was over the top.
The 500+ in the audience seemed to agree. Standing ovations all around. The principal came up to me afterwards and told me how much he appreicated having Andy at his school. I tried to be gracious but he said "look, there is a reason the leader gets the credit. Without him, these are just a bunch of kids. They love him and perform for him." Wow.
Kids can give you a lot of pain while they are growing up. Andy wasn’t too bad, but he had his moments. After a night like this, it was worth it.
JVH
One Response
Being a parent myself, I know that it takes special moments like the one you described to make us feel proud of our children. Wouldn’t this be a better world if express how proud they make us feel more often?
I know this is not the case, but it almost sounded like you waited 30 years to feel proud of your son. I feel proud of my family every day. And I feel ashamed that I don’t tell them enough of how proud they make me feel, just for being themselves.
Don’t let any more time to by, let them know now.