Events and Traditions

Special events and annual traditions are really important because they build relationships. They provide opportunity for reflection, celebration and commitment to a future. Last Sunday, we celebrated our second Porch Music Store recital at the Franklin Elks Club. The joy of it brought me to tears more than once through the afternoon.
In reflection, we witnessed the progress of amazing young people at the beginning of their musical journey and expanding their musical journey. Some were part of our first recital at the Barrow Little Theatre last spring. Others were new students who, in just 6 months, were able to prepare for a recital performance. As I shared the pride of their families and instructors, I could not stop tears of joy.
We packed the Little Theatre at the spring recital. We had to limit the number of guests. Back then, just over 6 months ago, we had just 20 or so students. Reflection - so much has happened since then! Just after that recital, we expanded into the Porch Music Studios. Now we have 82 students! And there's capacity for more.
Last Sunday, we filled the Elks Club with 140 people attending and only around 1/4 of our students performing. Our timid adult students didn't want to perform, some of our young students were too new and others were committed to other activities. Thinking back just months ago and looking ahead to the next recital, the impact was again one of joy. Just 6 months ago, we could not have imagined this! In 6 months, where will we be?
I looked over at the instructors. They are a wonderful group of talented collaborators. I looked at the audience full of family and the parents/grandparents we see every week. They enthusiastically show support to all the other young people as they do their own. In the days after the recital the depth of their kindness and support was incredible. Tops was a parent asking about one student who did a wonderful job with a difficult piece and asking if they could bring that girl flowers. The young woman had lost her place in the middle of her performance, she held her composure and finished the piece beautifully. She may not fully understand but we saw great poise and character in how she handled it. It was more significant than if she had played it straight through flawlessly.
That young woman reminded me that we are not always perfect in what we are doing at Porch Music Store. But our true character shows in how we handle the difficulties. This recital has left me inspired to follow her example of poise and determination.
Special events and annual traditions are really important because they build relationships. They build lasting memories and inspire us to greater things.