What's filled my time? Let me check my Google Calendar for you...
- Performances (so many! Including: formal concerts, New York State Conference All-State, relaxed Christmas performances at banks, nursing homes, etc.)
- An impressive smattering of pre-break tests and assessments
- The beginning of Christmas break!
It's been an insane two months: all my concerts seem to come at once. That, and second quarter of junior year threatening to take away my livelihood (just kidding, sort of). So for my prolonged absence, I apologize!
Despite my busyness and the inevitable stress that comes with it, I am so blessed to be where I am. I've had a wonderful time meeting new people, growing closer to people, sharing ideas, and performing and sharing music with others the past few months.
A lot of people tell me I'm doing too many musical activities, especially because I'm most likely not going to attend a musical conservatory. And yes, I have struggled mentally with devoting so much time to something I'm not pursuing as a career. But the fulfillment I receive from music is so incredible and indescribable, I know I have made the right decision in committing myself so fully. I recently was telling my family, the social aspect of music is almost as compelling to me as the music itself. The incredible friends I have made (some of whom I think of as my kindred spirits and/or soul mates), the inspiring role models, the addicting desire for improvement, and the pleasure of being welcomed and (in some cases) being a leader, is very self-satisfying to me. Of course there is, too, the beauty and power of the music I listen to, play, and in all cases, enjoy. What a wonderful life! To me, the happiness I receive from music is more than worth all the the hours I put into it; in fact, the more effort and time I spend on all my musical activities, the greater fulfillment I receive.
It's been a joy, recently, to play in a number of Christmas concerts. Usually one of the only times during the year I play for an atypical classical audience, it's a lot of fun to see people engrossed by our stringed instruments and playing (even if it doesn't sound that great!). One of my favorite moments was when a little boy came up to my quartet's first violinist, suddenly shy. He then proceeded to yell "Can you play Frosty?". Thanks to my orchestra teacher's vast Christmas collection piled onto our stands, we happily complied.
Other than the music that takes up such a great place in my life, I've enjoyed my small triumphs in life. After I've had a difficult time in this second quarter of junior year, victories are all the more welcome! It's wonderful to see my hard work pay off.
Christmas break has been sorely desired and needed. It's amazing to have my whole family at home (my older sister has returned from college!); we've had a lot of fun as a family having meals together and just talking. Christmas was wonderful, and I actually really enjoyed going to church two days in a row: being with the church family, singing Christmas hymns, playing the viola, hearing the Christmas message, etc. Lighting candles as a church at the Christmas Eve service while singing Silent Night was especially beautiful and special to me.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and past couple of months!
No comments:
Post a Comment