Mentors

Kevin and his two colleagues in the Civic Orchestra Percussion Trio presented their concert at our church last Saturday. The church members who attended knew that Kevin is a percussionist and have seen him play marimba on several occasions, but didn't know the scope of percussion. Visitors came because they were intrigued. No one really knew what to expect.

What they got was an incredibly diverse couple of hours of music: some marimba, but also xylophone, vibraphone, congas, drum set, tambourines, pandeiro, snare drums and even hand clapping---sometimes solo instruments, sometimes group efforts. People who had never been to a percussion concert were blown away. People just don't understand all that percussion entails, but now about a hundred more people are in on that secret.

As Kevin's mom, I've watched him develop musically since 4th grade and continue to be amazed by his musical abilities. What blew me away this time, however, is his speaking ability. Kevin was poised and completely comfortable explaining program notes and instrumentation to the audience. He joked, smiled easily and spoke clearly and enthusiastically in spite of reeling from a sad personal event. He has become a true professional.

What a wonderful gift Civic Orchestra has been to him this year! The mentoring he has received as he has learned to make these presentations in schools and other venues throughout the year has really given him a presentation skill that will help people to appreciate and enjoy the wonderful music he has learned to make.

David, too, has benefitted from wonderful mentors at Northwestern who have encouraged his graduate work, pushed him to present and publish, and generally act as his cheerleaders.

I hope that both "boys' " mentors realize and are proud of the immeasurable gifts they have given to their "mentees". As a parent, I'm unbelievably thankful!