A Big Announcement

... because I can't find a better title than that...

I need to start back in September 2008.

Anna was in Kindergarten. And I signed her up for Suzuki viola lessons.

We couldn't really afford it - and I wasn't sure of the commitment.

But something in me told me it was the right thing to do.

All those years ago - I'm so glad I did.

Next year is Anna's senior year of high school. And so this was her last chance to try out for one certain orchestra.

It was a chance in a million. Okay, maybe not a million but they were accepting only 2 violists.

Nothing could go wrong. Not one note. It had to be flawless.

When we arrived at the school Anna waited in a practice room while I waited in the hallway.

And then she was escorted into the room with camera recording every note, judges - just Anna and her viola.







I held my breath for what felt like 10 minutes. I stood with my ear to the door and heard that song she'd played and practiced over and over for months.

But would it be different this time? She'd tried out before.

This year Anna took a musician professional course, online for months. It was for professional musicians that were auditioning for orchestras across the country. Taught by two musicians and a auditioning psychologist. She worked so hard in this course - the only 16 year old in a group for adult musicians. She had to constantly record her playing, upload it, listen to them critique it, and work harder.

And so when she walked through that door, I couldn't breath. We wanted this so much for her.

This orchestra that she was trying out for is quite something. They travel to Europe to play. They are in the top orchestras in the country. And Anna has never wanted something more.

And

she

got

in.

She is still singing and dancing around the house. We are all still in shock.

She got in!