At the end of her 4th grade year, almost 2 years ago, her dad told her she was going to play the violin when she went in to the 5th grade. She was NOT happy about it.
We rented her violin her first year, just in case her stubbornness won.
In 5th grade she was head violinist. Meaning she lead the group and helped tuned others instruments and showed kids the proper way to hold a bow and the violin. She was the first 5th grader in Amarillo to preform a solo for the Greater Southwest Music Festival. Her teacher was on cloud 9 all year at how great Jessie played. Her teacher called me one day to tell me her private lessons have paid off! Confused, I said, this was the first year she's ever picked up a violin. Piano lessons is all she's had.
Her teacher was convinced that the piano helped so she wanted us to put her in Preparatory Strings with the Amarillo Youth Symphony the last semester of 5th grade.
Fast forward to 6th grade, she has her very own violin and she is in Sinfonia with the Youth Symphony. First violin, second chair. This year was the first time ever that Youth Symphony took a younger group to GSWMF. Jessie lead the group and helped them all earn this trophy and the bragging rights for many years to come. You couldn't wipe that smile from her face that day! The very next day she participated in the GSWMF again, but this time for her 6th grade class and she got an OUTSTANDING! Which is the highest you can get. She walked into the room, head held high and nailed it!
She had major doubts about herself and this solo. The teacher had complete faith in her and gave her a pretty hard piece to preform. He didn't have any doubts in her and neither did her dad or myself.
Jessie,
I still don't even know if you read this, but when you do read my blog post and come across this one just know this....
You are absolutely amazing at everything you do and I am so happy to be a HUGE part of your life. I have enjoyed cheering you on from the sidelines at everything you have accomplished thus far. You will continue to do great things in life, and guess what? I will be there every step of the way. When you are doubting yourself, I will make sure it doesn't take over and make you want to quit. You inspire me to do great things too!
Dad and I are beyond proud of you! You have many amazing things that lie ahead of you and without a doubt you will excel at it all!
I love you--MOM
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