Proud

Last night in our town, a star was born. That star is my son, B.

B. played at a jazz dinner last night. He had mentioned that he had a solo. He didn't mention that he had TWO. And he also neglected to tell me that he is good. Really good.

Every measure of those solos felt like an eternity to me. Not because it was painful to listen to. But because it wasn't. The kid has 'it'. He is talented and a showman. The audience was mesmerized. Including the gentleman sitting behind us who it turned out is the superintendent of Tracy schools. I heard him commenting to his wife 'now that kid's had some lessons'. I leaned back and said 'yes, he has'. He replied 'he's pretty talented'. We chatted after the performance and Dr. Franco thanked us for supporting Tracy schools and for sticking with the music program. He was glad to see a student who had stayed with music from the Jefferson School district - many haven't. But we did - the Jefferson School music program is significantly smaller than Tracy Unified's program - but the Jefferson School district is growing and more and more kids will be coming into Tracy Unified w/ music experience. That's a good thing.

The band director announced after B's second solo - 'and that's freshman B. on the drums'. The audience clapped even louder. It was amazing. I've never been so proud of him. Honestly proud. He's worked so hard to be good and it's paying off.

I hope he can make a living playing. It would be wonderful for him to do something he absolutely loves everyday for the rest of his life. I'm realistic enough to know that a performance musician has a hard road - and most aren't successful as studio musicians. But I get it now - it's B's dream and what mother doesn't want their kids to fulfill their dreams?

It was an amazing night. He was so happy - and his bandmates kept congratulating him over and over. 'He can really play' was a common theme. And he can. Honestly, really play. He is very talented. And I've been reluctant to admit it - not 'cuz I don't want him to be awesome. But because being a musician is a tough way to make a living. But it's what he wants. So we're going to do everything we can to help him. We are encouraging him to major in music - and the superintendent's wife mentioned the same college we have been researching that has an excellent music program, and specifically an excellent jazz program. Hearing that from an un-biased 3rd party who happens to be married to a district administrator might help B. consider that school more. And it's a school he could attend and commute to - for a couple years and then live on campus the last two - or four, since he'll probably get his master's. Then he can teach while he tries to break into studio musician work.

Wish him luck. I'll be holding my breath for the next decade.