Talk about a thrill... our band from Viscount Montgomery won a silver award at Musicfest yesterday. They did such a great job! I'm so proud of this group, I'm just bustin' my buttons.
We played O'Canada, Eagle Summit March and Ode to Joy. The adjudicator turned out to be Laura Thomas, a former colleague from McMaster days.
One of the kids, when he noticed that there was a comaraderie amongst all the music teachers and band directors, and that we all seemed to know each other, said, "You guys are like Jedi knights; a special elite corps."
"Yes," I replied. "For the good of all."
We got to hear Ken's group from Helen Detweiler. They were great and won a gold! Many of our kids were impressed by the excitement of the music and were trying to get me to do more interesting music when we got back to school. Then, on the bus they made me promise to look into getting band T-shirts, and silver medals to go with them, oh yeah and don't forget the celebration pizza party!
Am I too old for this? No! I just have to imagine my own kids and what I desire for them, and it's a lot easier to keep at it. Lord, help me to stay close to your heart's desire and be the music teacher you want me to be. It's not about me; it'a all about you.
Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful experience yesterday, (and thanks for sending Ken to give me a boot in the pants when I most needed it.)
Thanks for the parents who helped out. Thanks for the courteous bus driver. Thanks for the three helpful volunteers from St. Catharines Collegiate who helped us find our way around: Lisa, Beth and Cynthia. And thanks to Steve Fralick for allowing our late entry into the festival. Thanks that all the kids got home safe and sound, and thanks that the girl who almost lost her backpack was able to retrieve it.
There are mercies and goodness on every side.
