Thankful

Tonight was Alex's last band concert of the 8th grade.  It is hard to believe.  I wish I could say that I am getting teary eyed about saying good-bye to the middle school years.  Quite the opposite, I can't wait for them to be behind us....although I am still in shock that Alex will be in high school next year.  Still, there were some good things about the middle school years. I am thankful that Alex found his love of theatre and found his niche of people in the drama club.  I am also thankful that Alex had a phenomenal band teacher for the past 3 years.  She has been the constant for him over these tumultuous middle school years.  She has been great for him and whipped him in to shape to the extent that is actually humanly possible.  She is a good mix of high expectations and expertise and an awesome sense of humor.    I am so proud to be part of the Arlington School District for many reasons.  One of the most important reasons is the phenomenal music program. This teacher is one of the people that make the program what it is.

 As Alex prepares to leave his middle school, I am tempted to thumb my nose at the place.  But if there was one silver lining amidst the dark clouds of middle school, it was absolutely Ms. Chong.  I am so very thankful for her and all she has given, not only Alex.....but all she has come in contact with.  She is the only thing we will miss about middle school!  And we will miss her a lot!!

 "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable." 

~ Ludwig van Beethoven