If you read part one, you’ll already know that I’m on vignettes of highlight moments.

3. When I returned to the main room with the flautists, I got the entire room to pay attention to me (voluntarily) by saying: “If you can hear my voice, touch your head. If you can hear my voice, touch your ear. If you can hear my voice…” and modeling it for them. Eventually, all the kids joined in and were quiet enough that neither I nor the other adult in the room had to yell over them to instruct them. It reminded me how grateful I am for all the teachers that I had who modeled for me ways to get children’s attention.

The actual concert was amazing. The flute ensemble (and the beginners) played first and the trio that was played reminded me of how much I love playing music and listening to the other instruments so that I play in concert with them. It was magical and primal—the reminder of the hold that playing music has on me.

I also left the concert with a better understanding of my friend’s job and of the hard work that she puts in on a daily basis. I was so grateful that I don’t teach in a school and that I don’t teach music. She makes it look easy from the stage, plus, the kids sounded good.

My favorite moment:

When the students in the band finished playing all of their pieces, Terri had them fist pump their instruments in the air. The students had such joy and it was so fun. I’d never seen that before last night.

Most though-provoking moment:

Seeing all of the parents with their cell phones out, checking texts, emails, etc, DURING THE PERFORMANCES!

Biggest surprise outcome:

My deep gratitude that I don’t have children right now

It was a wonderful, joy-filled evening: a beautiful way to celebrate my 3^rd day of 30 days of 30.

Here are some pics!

Brewster’s ice-cream on a hot night is always a treat. I had pistachio & nutty coconut: yum.

We were being goofy and attacking each other with our instruments

These little kiddos did an AWESOME job playing flute.