08/11/2025
Every time I sit down to consider my summer schedule, I get anxious. It's wall-to-wall every year and even though it does slow down in the fall, it's never as much as you'd think.
But when I'm in the thick of it, I remember why I do what I do at all: because every single show is different and filled with gifts.
The past week has been SO fun and full of incredible people and celebrations. From tambourines and cowbells at Canale's to Etta James and Ozzy Osbourne requests at Wildwood Event Center, to a party in the square, an AMAZING wedding with The Jess Novak Band and then yesterday's event - a festival put together by and for Gina Marie Music Studio which featured her own students beside professional musicians.
Those who have followed me for some time know I love playing music for kids and working with them (I teach lessons!). But yesterday was extra special for me with my parents and son in attendance.
I wasn't a superstar violinist when I was a kid. I was always second chair, second violin. And I was good in band (on French Horn), but not the standout player.
Still, my parents drove me every single week for a decade to lessons, rehearsals and concerts. They kept tolerating my practicing at 10 p.m. because it's when I finally could do it. They didn't know how I would or if I could make a living playing music, but they never, ever discouraged me from it.
We live in a negative world. There are million reasons you can't or shouldn't do something all the time. There are so many forces telling us to settle.
Don't.
Watching those kids yesterday was INSPIRING to me. It was a reminder that every person we see on a major stage (in anything - music, politics, sports, etc.) started as a child with a dream. And they either had people around them who supported that dream or people who didn't - and they went for it in spite of them.
Be the person who encourages and leads by example.
Be the role model to prove - yes, you can.
Be the voice of support and belief. We need more of them.
One of my favorite quotes is, "My belief is stronger than your doubt." (Dwayne Wade)
Keep believing.
PS. I hope this kid keeps believing all his life
