My grandson took up the violin 11 months ago. He is now 10. He is not a prodigy with his playing and practicing. But he has stayed with it even when the first several times the “music” he produced sounded like wounded and hungry cats.

This last weekend was his first recital. His instructor put together a keyboard, mandilion, and 4 violins in a group for their recital, mostly in the same age group. Our family was in the front row getting ready to either react or not react, anticipating what seemed an odd combination. They had 4 rehearsals together. And you know what, it was absolutely terrific.

The purpose of my writing to you is to let you know that we all start somewhere with all sorts of different talents, expectations and circumstances. And if we are smart and receptive enough, we will let ourselves be guided and trust that the outcomes will be good Teams can pretty much do anything with their talents when they know the music, the outcomes and where to stand while performing. I think the tradition of recitals for showing talents and progress is brilliant – how would your team do?