Concerts

We have just returned from our fourth, and final, concert for this year.  One was a church concert, one was in a public school, one was in a private Christian school, and today's was performed by 3 and 4 year old nursery school children.  They differed in many ways -age of participants, time of day, theme (traditional or non-traditional), with or without food.  But they had many elements in common, the most important of which is that the concerts gave children opportunities to shine.  At each concert the excitement was almost tangible, the nervous energy front and foremost, and the performances flawless, at least in the eyes of those in the audiences.

I have viewed concerts from many perspectives.  Years ago I was a participant, then I became a teacher in charge of keeping bows on straight and making sure no one fell off the risers, then I was a parent so proud of my performing children I could hardly contain my tears, then back in schools supporting performances as a resource teacher and then as an administrator.  Now I view them from the enviable position of having no responsibilities at all.  My job as a grandparent is simply to show up and enjoy.  This is the best seat of all.

Are concerts worth the effort some ask?  Absolutely they are.  Where else do you see pure joy and enthusiasm than on the faces of children who have practised endlessly, and now have the chance to show off a bit?  Whether the message of the show includes "Christmas" or is more generic, the message to the children is "you are loved and we support you and what you do". Those of us who watch come away having shared in the joy and sense of accomplishment.  Before we had grandchildren I sought out a concert or two, just to have an opportunity to share those feelings.  It didn't matter if I knew the children or not.  And whether they knew it or not, they all made Christmas just a little more meaningful for me.  Thank you all- the parents, the teachers, the support staff, and most of all, the children who performed. You are all so special.