A Good Beginning Never Ends

Research says that pre-natal care is important to have a healthy child. Teaching children good nutrition & hygiene at an early age is beneficial to their growth and development. Children involved in music from a young age have the foundation they need to make great musicians.   Here's my latest story about a Kindermusik kid.

Tonight I went to a concert at Berry College. The first of the 2011-2012 concert series featured Toby Oft, the principal trombonist from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  That is a prestigious position, and Mr. Oft is only 35 years old.  The concert was well attended, primarily by college students obtaining credit for a music class.  I took my 12 year old, Kate, who is in her 2nd year of playing the trombone.  I wanted her see and hear one of the best trombonist in the country.

The concert was wonderful. The second movement of the first piece was so lyrical, and he played with such a  lush tone. I was truly mesmerized.  His accompanist, Ling Leng, from the New England Conservatory played with such ease & precision. It was, perhaps, the best concert I have attended in many years.

Kate & I spoke with both performers as we left the auditorium.  There were numerous students waiting to speak to Mr. Oft,  get his autograph & a picture with him.  As I was about to leave, I hear a little voice say "Ms. Kathryn". I turn and see this cute fellow smiling at me, and he says "I'm Max."   It was a child I taught in Kindermusik.  He & Kate were in the same classes (of course she didn't remember him).  Max lives in Trion, and plays the trombone.  He had come to Berry this past summer for the Encore Music Camp, and now he was back for this wonderful concert.  I was delighted to see him, and asked about his family.  I'm so glad he remembered me, and thought enough to speak to me before I rushed out.

Max has great parents, who are responsible for all he is becoming.  They made the decision  that music would be an important part of his life.  They made the trip to Rome for Kindermusik on a weekly basis for many years.  All those years of listening and learning music as a youngster has Max primed to be a great musician. Even if Max doesn't continue studying music past high school, he will be a friend of the arts, and a knowledgeable audience member. Remember, a good beginning never ends!