A Proud Mom

My son and two of his friends playing their trombones
in my shop, Your Staming Cottage, spring 2012.

Many of you know that my son is an accomplished trombone player.  He has played since Middle School when I insisted he do band or chorus.  He didn't want to do either.  I was determined he was NOT going to sit around playing video games and I gave him no choice other then "band or chorus". He chose band.  He chose trombone. 

Many, many hours of practice.  Notes that I thought would make me lose my mind.  Over and over and over again.  "Please, enough for today."  "I've got to practice." "Oh my gosh, use the mute you had me buy you."  "It isn't the same."  Years.  Years. I say years of this!   He fell in love with this instrument.  We rented one.  He saved his money and paid for half of the first one he ever bought.  I believe he still owns the old Yamaha.  Of course we got him a much better one for graduation from high school. (They're very expensive, lol)  Then while getting his undergraduate degree in performance and education he bought a better one. 

He's been in marching band for way too many years.  He was in a ska band in high school.  He was in The Cliftones while in college.  They won the Cincinnati Entertainer of the Year Award for reggae music the year he was in it.  (They also won again this year, without him)  He had several graduate schools recruit him and he chose the one with the person he had dreamed of studying with.  He moved last June to the Boston area and was immediately recruited by another reggae/rock band.  (hey, it helps pay the rent). On weekends they play all over the New England area.  He's also in a Brass Quintet.  He takes his music VERY seriously and dreams of being in an orchestra/philharmonic someday.  He would like to teach college eventually. 

He has just been honored by becoming the Creativity Foundation's Legacy Award winner for his conservatory.  This is a HUGE honor.  Check out www.creativity-found.org for more information.  I copied this from their website - "Benjamin Franklin's Legacy is the symbolic link from extraordinarily creative Laureates, who explain and inspire creativity, to those curious, innovative and motivated individuals at the start of their careers who deserve greater recognition, encouragement, and mentoring. The Legacy's Mission derives from the 1789 codicil to Benjamin Franklin's will, which helps creative youths advance to fulfill their potential and to perpetuate the Mission."

The letter from the dean had this quote in it, we "are asked annually to nominate students and representatives of outstanding distinction, individuals who bring clarity, vision, and accomplishment to their work and lives. It is clear you embody these attributes in abundance. "

My son chose me to be his mom when he was 19 years old.  I'd been his step-mom for 9 years.  I adopted him and became his legal mom at the age of 20. I am so thrilled that he chose me.  I'm so proud of him and thank God every day for bringing him into my life.

Thank you for letting me brag about my wonderful son.
Hugs!