The Power of Music................

At this time of year music plays a great part in our waking hours. For some lucky people, perhaps it even plays in their dreams! Everywhere we go, most radio stations, television shows, in stores, on street corners, malls, Christmas music rings out. For high school age kids, despite all the many hobbies, pastimes, sports, clubs etc. connected to these four busy, often stressful teenage years, those who get involved with music, be it orchestra, acting in musical productions, or using those young voices to sing in choirs and choruses..........music in all its forms makes great things happen around the holiday season!

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Our granddaughter Jasmin is a singer, a first soprano in her high school choir, comprising of about 45 wonderful kids this year. She's now a junior and has been singing since her freshman year. She also takes private voice lessons with a professional soprano and it's obvious these have helped both her voice, her knowledge of music theory, and given her more confidence singing solo parts.

This week a local radio station had a great competition for local schools. Each choir recorded a Christmas song. They played them on the radio, three each day, and any and all could vote. The three finalists, announced yesterday, included Jasmin's high school singing a beautiful unaccompanied rendition of the traditional carol, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

This morning, my alarm buzzed, my ear was glued to the radio, and at 7:15 the glorious news was that our school won first place and the $5,000 prize for their music department!

I'm thrilled for the kids and especially for their amazing music director, Marshall Butler, a wonderful caring teacher, and true gentleman, who puts his heart and soul into training these lovely young voices, and enables them to embrace the power of music, not just for their high school years, but forever.

Our congratulations to 

Sanderson High School 'Sandpipers'.

We are so proud of you today.