Saving the best for Last

The beginning of the end of things has begun. This week I attended the last Wind Symphony concert at Jordan High and the final Jazz concert the week before. It was Ryan's last performance and he was wonderful. He played the alto and the soprano sax and I enjoyed every minute of it. I sat in that auditorium at JHS and thought of all of the memories of band concerts, both symphony and jazz. I cannot think of one I didn't thoroughly enjoy. This last concert brought me to tears - especially because they played 'Amazing Grace' - and that pretty much sums up how grateful I am for the gift of music. Although the conductor, Randall Clark, is an odd bloak - the man knew his music and he knew how to teach young adults to play it. It was always the songs that were college level, tougher than nails, impossible to play, and performed with perfection at Region and State levels of competition receiving 7 years straight of Superior Ratings at a State Level in a 5A school district. I am confident that his bands could take on any school around! Matt, Ashley, Mandy and Ryan were all fortunate to have had such a gift of a teacher as Mr. Clark. I miss the sound of music in my home now. I miss the cussing and screaming of missed notes as the kids practiced for solos and concerto nights, audition pieces, and demanding competition pieces. I can't imagine where my kids would be without music in their lives - it is truly one of Gods greatest inventions. When I have listened to my children play - I know it's just a little bit of heaven on earth. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART kids for the many years of music, laughter and tears through the over 200 concerts, competitions, Olympic Spirit Bands, Honor Bands, Super Bands, Jazz Bands, and Utah Symphony solo performances. I would love to share a scrapbook page with you except that most of the pictures from concerts are of a music stand with hair above it and either a dress or suit pants below it - couldn't ever get a real good picture! A couple of the 10 horns the lived at our house are still in use. Mandy is a member of the BYU wind symphony as she is majoring in Saxophone Performance at the Y. One day - I expect to have everyone cranking out a song for your old momma - preferably before my hearing goes out ok? Now I get to start crying about ...... Graduation..... WWWWAAAAA! (Andrew - don't be swayed to the dark side of violins....the force is strong with you - stay with the saxophone.....) (Bethany you did not read that)