“Hot Cross Buns” – it’s a classic!

I recently had the opportunity to attend a “string” concert at our local high school. It involved grade levels 5-12, showing off their skills in the violin, viola, cello, and bass. I hadn’t been to anything like this for a while, and I greatly enjoyed it.

It carried me back to the fourth grade, in the weeks following the city-wide band and orchestra concert.

The image of the young instructor/conductor leading the groups reminded me of my first encounter with the new young instructor/conductor of my day – Steve Miller.

I remember meeting in the small room across from my fourth-grade classroom, and discussing what instrument I wanted to play. I chose the violin, and I remember him measuring my arm to make sure I would even be able to play it. I did, not necessarily well, and my orchestra career was relegated to just the 5^th grade year. (Hey, don't judge me! I’m not musical… I write!)

As the fifth-grade students performed for the first time, I leaned over to my daughter and whispered “I learned that same song when I was in fifth grade,” and she just laughed, while my youngest grandchild gazed in complete awe and wonder, completely mesmerized by the performances. I wondered if the beginner music curriculum had evolved at all, or was “Hot Cross Buns” just one of those classics that every music student learned. Probably so. Wouldn’t it make for a fun event if on a given day and time, all the beginner students across the United States played it together, as a promotional event to maintain music programs in our schools?  It would take a very passionate conductor to coordinate that, but every parent would love it!

Even if you don’t have a school age student involved in the music programs, I would encourage you to attend one of these types of local events. Not only is it fun, it is inspiring to watch the wonder, awe, dedication, and brilliance displayed by these students.

contributed by Melody Lowe

 

November is National Gratitude Month

As I think about gratitude, and how it has affected my life, I reach back and consider all those people who have made a positive difference in my life, and that have made contributions that are inestimable. The impact and influence they have had on my life are permanently embedded, as I remember these people who showed humility and vulnerability in their leadership.

More than anything, I know that no one is perfect. I have been guilty of putting some people on a pedestal and thinking that they could do no wrong, whether it was their athletic prowess, perceived wealth and influence, or their intellectual gifts. The people that I have encountered in my life with the most positive influence were also those who seemed the humblest.

Humble does not mean weak or mild-mannered. Far from it. Humble people are gracious. They show how important all of the people are in the room. They go first. They call you by name and ask you about family and your friends, and know your concerns. They build lasting relationships because they want to know what’s in it for those around them, not what’s in it for themselves. When a task is given, they don’t act like they have to do it, they get to do it. For there is a time and place when we cross the line or encounter a physical or mental inability to contribute to others lives anymore because we are no longer able. Our mind may be willing, or we wish we could help, but the body can no longer take it. Maybe the mind may is suffering from some form of dementia or setback, and we can no longer confidently participate.

This month I am grateful for the humble leaders I have been privileged to encounter throughout my life so far. Do you remember a teacher along the way who shared with you that you never fail unless you give up? Or the business leader you worked with that displayed keen interest in you when you felt like a failure? He or she went through the same struggles or frustrations that you did. Or finally, the story teller who took you to a time or place that they had been, and the players and characters they talked about, and what an impression it made on you, to inspire and make the most of your life.

Everything I have and everything I am, is a gift from God, and a result of other people’s contributions to my life. I am eternally grateful for the humble people in my life.

 Contributed by Bob Kramer