Anna's Final College Orchestra Concert

*This was written back in April and now it's of course July. I couldn't post back then because there was an announcement at the end -- Anna's plans for a masters and sixth year at Fairfield. If you missed what that's all about, check this out*  

It was Anna's final college orchestra concert and boy, it was an amazing one. Probably the best one in all four years. 

I was so excited, beaming, and in tears throughout, especially the end when the seniors were recognized. I'll get to that part in just a bit. 

First, I want to start by expressing my gratitude to the College of the Holy Cross Orchestra. That space, that place, those Tuesday and Thursday evenings held my daughter in a beautiful way. 

It helped her to grow musically. It allowed her to continue playing her viola. It was safe and comfortable when she was adjusting. Yet it helped her to grow musically and socially beyond high school level. 

So so grateful. 

Here are some orchestra college posts that I love. 

This one was her first picture of her very first rehearsal. I remember being so happy to see this pop up on my phone ~ September 2021 

This post is when she showed us her rehearsal space when we visited her for Family Weekend. She looks so so happy! ~ October 2021

This post is her first college orchestra concert (back when masks were required) ~ November 2021

This post is her spring concert freshman year ~ March 2022

This post is her freshman year End of Year concert ~ April 2022 

This post is her sophomore fall concert ~ November 2022

This post is her sophomore year Lessons and Carols ~ December 2022

This post is her sophomore year spring concert ~ March 2023 

This post is her sophomore year End of Year concert ~ April 2023 

This post is her junior year fall concert ~ November 2023 

This post is her junior year Lessons and Carols concert ~ December 2023 

Then Anna left for study abroad in China from December 27, 2023 - June 2024

This post is her senior year fall concert ~ November 2024 

This post is her senior year Lessons and Carols concert ~ December 2024 

This post is her senior year spring concert ~ March 2025 (the only one I missed) 😢

And that brings us to her very last College of the Holy Cross orchestra concert ~ April 2025

~ driving in

~ spotting her dorm and her window 

~ the beautiful Performing Arts Center 

~ sunset over the hill 

~ arriving and sending a few moments before the concert began 

~ a last concert present 

At this point before our favorite song of Holy Cross the seniors were honored. I know that I can express my emotions on this blog but this moment truly took me by surprise. I saw that 'little' girl up there about to be recognized and honored as a college senior and I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to God for what could have been, what she has walked through, and what her life is now. It was something, I tell you! 

Here is a video of the concert. 

And if you scroll to 1:24:18 you can see her senior night moment.