Extraordinary Evening
We've been to lots of choral concerts over the years, ever since our kids were in high school....lots of great music. But never the emotional evening we experienced last Thursday. It was Zach's last concert and he said he had a surprise for us.
All the choir groups were very good and the special solo performances were excellent. I think students ask to be a special performer and select their songs. That was Zachary's surprise. He belted out his Mom's favorite song, Live Like You Were Dying....a Tim McGraw ballad. Wow!!! We were awed, amazed and all in tears. Even the guys choked up. Zach is a great performer and being in the second row we got the full benefit of his smiles and eye contact plus his beautiful tenor voice. We were so very proud and touched by this performance.
The other very emotional part was the final senior presentation to the music teacher, Mrs. Morrison. Each graduating senior, probably 20 of them, gave her a rose and told her how much she had impacted their life. Well by the time this was done the whole audience was in tears. Our Zach said she taught him how to "embrace life." We know this to be true because we watched Zach blossom and grow during his two years in music and theater.
The finale of the concert is always the Hallelujah Chorus. Mrs. Morrison invites former choir members and parents to come on stage and join in singing. The stage was jam packed. Former students bring their kids just to participate in this one song.
The evening was an example of the power of one person. Every year this teacher sends out another bunch of kids who will forever love music and who will pass that love on to their families. Like ripples in the pond, teaching the world how to sing in perfect harmony.