Back in December I had asked her what she was playing on her recital, and she told me the Prelude to Bach Cello Suite No. 1, plus the Krufft Sonata (which I was unfamiliar with). The third piece was a surprise...I asked her if it was a surprise to everyone or just me, and she said just me. So, I suspected that it was my 1st Horn Concerto, because she was a part of Saratoga Orchestra during the premiere when I played it, and I know she loved that piece so much. But I didn't want to flatter myself, so I didn't set my heart on that...I thought that maybe it was a premiere of another new piece by a friend, or she was playing a piece that I've played before, like the Gliere or something, or...I don't know.
When I got to the music building yesterday and grabbed a program, to my surprise, the 1st movement of my concerto was listed as the first piece of her program, and three big paragraphs about me and my piece written in (mostly) her own words! And she played it so well. It was so amazing to see a former student of mine playing on a stage that I used to play on playing a piece I wrote, and doing it with such heart and expression. I can't explain what that felt like. It was...unreal.
And of course, everyone else at the recital was in on the surprise, so I got asked many times if I was surprised, haha.
The other two pieces she played were quite a treat, as well. She seemed really well-prepared for this, and got over the hurdle of nerves to still put on quite a show. I was so enamored with her sound, which was already great before, but had developed so well while at CWU. It's a sound of fantastic leadership, experience and confidence. It's a sound that will inspire a good number of young horn players wherever she goes.
I enjoyed talking with my former teacher, Jeff Snedeker, after the recital. It was so great hearing him talk about her and how far she had come. The main focus with her was her confidence, since she already had a lot of great things going for her already when she arrived. It provided some reassurance and some insight on my teaching, as well. He reminded me that I should always be emphasizing how this is all about the students, and not about the teachers (from our perspective). It's something I try my best to do and remind myself often: It's all about the students. Sure, I love getting recognition (you can tell by reading this and other entries on my blog, right?), but I have to always remember that there is not better satisfaction than to see my students succeed for their sake. Because it makes them look impressive, feel happy, feel accomplished and important. And it gives them a great experience, full of amazing memories. I just draw the detailed map for them, and they go on the adventure. And it's a lot of fun to watch. And hey, I did a similar adventure myself as a student.
Take care and value music.