Recital Bliss...

Sigh... My recital is over. I am relieved, happy, sad, joyful... so many emotions going into a recital. Ever since the semester started at the end of January, I have been practicing and preparing for this moment. I got busier and busier as the months went on. Then march hit, and I have been going non stop ever since. But it was so worth it! I was the most wonderful day in my entire musical career since I became a student at the school of music in 2006.

My parents, Bonnie and Leroy, came all the way from the other end of the state, and picked up my Aunt Janel a long the way in Great Falls. Russell's family came, his dad, Richard, his mom, Ruth, and his sister, Rachel. His Uncle Wayne came from Libby. Even though he wasn't feeling well, he still came to support me. My cousin Paul came from Columbia Falls. Friends from college were there, it was just wonderful!

Before the last piece, the flute and organ duet, Janell and I were saying our thank yous, I said thank you to my parents, to Russ, to his family, and then I started to choke, and I almost cried. I was not expecting that, but my best friend Bridget, who was sitting in the balcony said she saw it coming from a mile away. If it wasn't for my awesome flute teacher Maggie, I wouldn't be were I am today.

And now, I express my thanks:

Thanks to my Grandma who made her famous peanut butter cookies, with the chocolate kiss in the middle, and for Mary (Janel's Mom) for making all of the wonderful goodies after wards! It was pretty much a banquet, it was awesome!

To Janel, my recital partner! I knew her a little bit through sports in high school, but I never would of guessed that I would do a recital with her. She is the sweetest person, and it was a joy to get to work with her and get to know her through this process. She also cheered me on through the difficult times in preparing for this. Janel, you are the best!

To Janel's teacher, and my piano in class teacher, Steven Hesla. I only had his class for a year, but I learned so much from him. Even after my piano in class days, he still talks to me, and takes interest in what is going on in my life. I love talking to him in the hall ways of the music building, and just saying a friendly hello when we cross paths. He started to grow on me, and also supported me along the way.

To my teacher Maggie! John and Maggie Schuberg have been my second parents. The are amazing people! Maggie has pushed me, coached me, supported me and cheered me on for the last four years. If I didn't have her as a teacher, I would not be the flutist who I am today. She taught me how to be dedicated in my practicing, how to practice in many different ways. I hope to be like her when I become a teacher. I love you Maggie, and there are not enough words to express my gratitude to you!

To my parents and my aunt for coming! I love you Mom and Dad! You have supported me through everything. From swimming lessons, to volley ball, cheerleading, track, and now my professional music career. Thanks for being there for my recital and for seeing my play to my fullest potential. Through all of the long distance phone calls, visits, I knew you were there for me no matter what. I love you both, and I couldn't ask for any thing more!

I will continue this post later! I need to practice! The work never stops. :P