An Evening of Waltzes

"You need to think hard about what it is you really value, which direction is right for you…students now live in such a blur of activity that idle moments for such introspection are vanishing." -Harvard Magazine

Jessica is over-scheduled this school year. Being a member of two youth symphonies, working 25 hours a week, taking and teaching cello lessons, has all become too much. She approached me a few weeks ago informing me that something needed to go and that she felt like Utah Youth Symphony was probably that thing. She felt like she could do without driving all the way up to the University of Utah campus every Saturday for a three hour rehearsal only to rush home in just enough time to work an eight hour shift. 

She had a valid point. I've been watching her burn the candle at both ends since October and wondering how long she could carry on like that. I encouraged her to at least attend the first concert, something she wasn't really planning on doing. She had put in all of the hours of rehearsal. Why not enjoy the fruits of her labor? Besides, not many 17 year old kids get the chance to perform in the tabernacle. I'll admit, my motives were somewhat selfish. How many moms get to watch their 17 year old perform in the tabernacle?

Whether she did it for herself or for me, I'm not sure, but I'm thrilled that she went ahead and attended the performance. Mom and Tony were excited to come along. You would think that I could get one picture without these goofballs making faces, but I forget who we're talking about here.

Jessica texted us and told us where to sit so that we could see her. She was in the back, so balcony seats were best. Then she texted us to inform us that she had almost run into our favorite organist. I asked her if she got Mr. Elliot's autograph and complimented him on his knock-your-socks-off rendition of Flight of the Bumblebee on the organ at the Christmas concert? She had not been so bold.

I behaved and took not a single photo during the event. It was a delightful concert. We were graced with an evening of waltzes. They played waltzes from Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, and Swan Lake. These famous waltzes are always overshadowed by the dancers, but the pieces really can stand on their own. It was lovely just to focus on the music and the musicians, and they were top-notch musicians. Mom was shocked that music of such a caliber came from teenagers, and that this was a free event! It's a shame that it wasn't a packed house.

Once I got the all-clear from the cute little tabernacle volunteers, I turned into the mommy paparazzi, found a great spot for a good shot, and clicked photos to my heart's content.

I'm glad Jessica had this opportunity. It will be one of those things she looks back on with fondness. That semester that she trekked up to the university every saturday and sat in a room of prodigies and played under the tutelage of a member of the Utah Symphony. That day she got to play some of the most beautiful music ever written, in one of the most beautiful venues in Utah,  with some of the most beautiful acoustics ever created. I know that I'll be tucking it into my private folder of pay-off mother moments.