My Journey, part 3: Brighten the Corner Where You Are

I did not plan this trip.   Frankly, I'm not even sure it was my idea.  In fact, I'm still amazed at how this trip came about, and even more amazed at how it is turning out.

In January, the board of AFS decided we needed to do some on-site advertising.  Two weeks later, I had a ticket, for an incredibly low price, directly into Chattanooga (usually I have to fly to Nashville or Atlanta, or pay five prices).  I didn't know what I would do when I arrived, but I was going.  Oh, and we set a recital date.  On faith--that I could be ready in one month!! (Jury's still out on that--come Monday night and see if we succeeded!)

When I began to make contacts, I asked if I could be of any help to the teachers.  My goal was to benefit their programs.  My pay was to meet the students, and have permission to advertise for At First Sight.  I soon discovered that not only could I meet with the students I wanted to see, but I could help, by subbing for a couple of rehearsals in a very busy season.  

Then, three days before I flew out, I learned that plans on the ground had changed again, and I would be needed to fill in as clinician for a regional music festival--the whole thing, not just a rehearsal!

I couldn't have planned it.  I had no idea.  I'm humbled, and truly grateful, that this trip (which seemed so extravagant to begin with) has become a way to bless others.  

Today, I had the immense pleasure of working with the first and second violinists of the SAU Symphony Orchestra.  Their conductor, Mrs. Laurie Minner, is a marvelous musician, positive and encouraging, while demanding complete attention to making the music.  The work was Brahms Symphony No. 2.  Our task was to take the ugly, difficult spots and make them shine.

If you've ever played an instrument, you know that coordinating all the muscles and actions to create beauty isn't automatic--far from it.  It takes concentrated effort and [gasp] practice.

Now, give those difficult spots to 20 young musicians, and expect them to play perfectly in tune with each other, at exactly the same time, with the same articulations and dynamics, and you realize the challenge that orchestral musicians face.   We had 75 minutes to work together, and did we ever work!  It was such a pleasure to give them tools with which to succeed, to point out where they were already succeeding, and to help them hear where they could do better.  I really enjoyed the effort with which these young people worked, the attitude of determination, the politeness, the smiles of achievement and recognition.  I asked a lot of them, and never once did I hear a sour comment, a groan, or a complaint.  

I came into the experience hoping to brighten their corner a little.  I pray that I did.  

What I didn't expect, truly, was how much they brightened mine!  I recieved from them respect, concentration, dedication.  They gave me appreciation and honored me with their time and attention.  I came from the rehearsal feeling that I had been the one blessed, by the gift of their time and talents, and that we had mutually grown.

What a marvelous experience.  I came to brighten, and left brighter than before.  Isn't that the way our world should work?

 

Comments

[Tami King]

May the Lord contiue to bless abundantly above all you could ask or think....
Great, encouraging blogs... They are more timely than you may ever know, especially for those of us who teach!

[Ellen Francisco]

Tami,

I'm honored to know my blogs are reaching people, humbled to think they are of help. Thanks for the words of encouragement!