"A lot of people are singing about how screwed up the world is, and I don't think everybody wants to hear about that all the time."-Mariah Carey

The concert at the TillesCenter for the Performing Arts was awesome! It is good to know that there are masses of young people devoting themselves to something so uplifting & enriching like music. Not only are they themselves becoming all the better for it but they are touching other peoples lives in a positive way in the process. What a wonderful thing.

Before the orchestra played, the Vice President of my son's division commented on how cooperative & respectful all of the young musicians were during this last week of rehearsals. There is something about music that is truly magical in so many ways. I don't have any idea how many of these young participants will go on to become musicians. It does seem to me though, that the experience of committing oneself to a discipline transfers over to so many other areas of one's life. Ian's music teacher told me that all of her friends that continued to play music-despite all the practices, are glad that they did. While her friends that stopped playing are sorry they didn't continue. Having to practice an instrument everyday is a big commitment. For Ian, he strives to do that. This works for him because if he misses a day, it's just one day. By learning & practicing & getting better at something, it teaches him that he can do that with other things as well. This has been a great tool for me as a parent. Over the years when Ian has faced other challenges I can always reassure him with, "It's just like the violin, all you have to do is practice." I think of how that alone contributes to a persons self esteem. Also, getting up in front of a large room full of your peers & playing a solo-I believe that nurtures courage. Then there is the simple act of sharing something of yourself that is beautiful, & by doing so you bring happiness to those around you.

I remember when my childhood friend started her children in Suzuki violin lessons, she would have them bring their violins to NY when they came to visit family & friends so we could hear them play. Truthfully -at the time, I had no idea what I was listening too. However, I could see what a wholesome experience it was for not only her young children, but also for myself & the other listeners around me. When my friend suggested my son take these same type of violin lessons, looking back on it, I am so very glad I was open to her suggestion.

Thank you dear friend.