A First for Emily

 Dear Emily,

Remember freshman year, when you thought you were going to get your *very first "B" ever* ...in band?  Remember how frustrated and upset you got over each and every play test?  Remember how hard you worked?  Remember how much you practiced?  Remember how you decided you were not going to let band ruin your GPA?

Remember how you started taking lessons and your teacher was incredibly...odd (but very talented?).  Remember how much you practiced and practiced and practiced?  Remember what a pain it was to schedule your horn lessons around swim practice and play practice and marching band?  Remember how hard it was to get to your lessons because the bridge to the academy was out and you had to take a weird detour each week?

Remember when you started loving playing your French horn?  Remember playing in that gorgeous brass choir freshman year?  Remember when you made Wind Symphony?  Remember when you started getting solos?  Remember when you got a 1* on the same solo you-know-who played the year before?

Saturday you played Nocturno at State.  And Emily, I tell you what;  you soared.  You played with emotion and skill.  We were all in awe of your talent.

Your solo was gorgeous.

You were gorgeous.

And we were all in awe.

Congratulations on your first at State.

We are all so proud of you.

XO,

Mom

PS  John tried to video Emily's performance, but it didn't work.  If you'd like to hear the piece she played, click here.