You know Mom, thanks for turning what was one of the best nights of my life and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity into a fucking sob story about how inconsiderate I am because I was too busy living my life to call you every five seconds (on the phone that I don't have). I went like 5 hours without calling you, and you complain to me about how I had you worried all night and how you couldn't do anything--couldn't go out with your boyfriend, couldn't work, couldn't fucking do anything besides worry--while the whole time you knew that I was at the fucking rehearsal, went to get food, and then was playing in the concert. And you expect me to go off to college in one year? What, am I gonna have to call and let you know whenever I want to go out with friends then? Or should I let you know when I have to take a shit and when I brush my teeth? It's time for you to realize that I'm an independent individual and that I am no longer your little puppet, and that pretty soon I'll be living on my own on the other side of the country. I wanted to come home and tell you all about my night, to share with you what was an indescribable experience--one I'll never forget--but instead I have to listen to you complain that I care more about my friends and about my own life than about you. Bullshit, because I do care and you know it, but everything has its appropriate time, and when I'm performing with my closest friends in a concert with a professional ensemble is not the time for me to concentrate my attention upon you.
On a brighter note, tonight was an experience that is beyond words. My school band was invited to perform with the Dallas Brass, a professional brass quintet, and it was honestly a trillion times beyond what I expected. I can't even begin to describe it, but the repertoire that they played was not only expertly chosen, but executed in a manner that I did not think possible. Sitting in the front row was exhilarating, and the vast range of emotions that coursed through in those short hours was emotionally and physically tolling. I wish that could convey every single detail, but words fall short as does my ability to coherently express such. I am beyond grateful and forever indebted to Mr. T, the Weston Philharmonic Society, the Dallas Brass, and my fellow peers. Playing alongside the Dallas Brass and sharing this moment with individuals with whom I have grown as a musician and as a person, who are my best friends, was truly humbling and I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else. You are all spectacular musicians, and even better people. I love you all, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my high school experience one that cannot be forgotten. "These are the ties that bind." Thank you, thank you, thank you. I cannot thank you enough for being your flawed, perfect selves.
