I held another brass studio recital on Friday, two years after our previous one. I had 20 students perform on this one, and it was really great. Every student did really well, whether it was a fantastic performance or they overcame adversity in their performance. Actually, nearly all of them really nailed down their performances well, and nothing major really went wrong for any of them. We learned our mass ensemble on the day of the recital and rehearsed it for about 45 minutes and performed it really quite well.
It's so great getting them all together in one place. We're like a big family. I never expected that when I started teaching here. I never expected to form such a strong bond with these students, some more than others. It goes farther than music, too. We talk about sports or clubs they're in, our families, video games or movies...our philosophies in life. I find myself advising them about my life experiences, both the good and the bad.
The only crummy thing about all of this is that these kids get older and graduate, and then leave. I mean, I'm very happy for them and for the lives they're going to have, but I really miss them. I've already had 3 students graduate that I miss, but over the next 3 years, a good chunk of my current core of students will all graduate. At that will be really hard...but I'll be so proud of them.
And you know what? A new generation of superstars will take their place.
I wonder, though. Will I make a difference in their lives? I hope so.
Take care and value music.