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June 2007Another year comes to an end...Published: Jun. 7, 2007 at 8:22 AMLast modified: Jun. 7, 2007 at 8:14 PM With carrying 20 units at the university, teacher 60+ violinists, as well other unexpected occurrences, this has been a particularly tough year for me personally, emotionally, physically. However despite all that my violin students and I still managed to put on a great concert. They started out performing Mariachi songs in their Mariachi outfits. After intermission the kids became rock musicians coloring their hair, changing into jeans and black t-shirts, putting on colorful shades and performing songs by the Beatles. Every year surprises me with what the students are capable of doing. No one year is like the other...some years are better than others but in the end the outcome is always rewarding. Now for some photos:         
All it takes is a simple act of kindness...Published: Jun. 9, 2007 at 5:53 AMToday was the last day I had my sixth grade violin students since they're going to camp next week. Like every year, I wanted to get a combined picture of my 4th, 5th, and 6th grade violin students to remember them by. It was bittersweet, I was bummed that it was all coming to an end but at the same time I was also glad to be getting a small break from teaching among other things. Towards the beginning of the class one my students pleasantly surprised me by giving me a note he had written me thanking me for teaching him violin. When he gave it to me he just stood there. I could see in his eyes that he wanted me to read it and so I did. Half way through the letter I smiled. Needless to say I was touched this totally made my day.I gave him a little hug and thanked him for this simple act of kindness. I always feel like i wished i could've done more in the short time I got to work with these kids. Although I'll see some of the kids as middle schoolers, I know realistically that many will also move and I'll never see them again...the kid that gave me the letter...he's one of the students that I will see next year. Despite our short time together I'll be grateful for the kindness and appreciation the kids have shown towards me it's made me feel like I had a purpose. I don't know what will happen to a lot of these kids but I do hope they continue playing music and retain this need to do good for others. Below is a photos a card one of the little girls made me. It's a little hard to see since the wrote in pencil. (Front: Says "Thank You so much!") (Back: Says "Thank you for teaching me to play the violin!") Here's the letter from a little boy that made my day: Last but not least photos of my elementary school violin class:
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