Friday, April 8, 2011

Recital

This past weekend, I visited my cousin in Rochester, New York. She is graduating from the Eastman School of Music and it was the occasion of her senior recital. She is an extremely talented violinist and my heart was swelling with pride when I saw her perform. Of course I've seen her play at family functions since she was old enough to hold a bow, but seeing her up on that stage in an unbelievably beautiful performance hall very nearly brought me to tears.

After her performance, we went to a friend of my cousin's for an after-party. At my aunt's request, my cousin and one of her friend's sang a few songs. These "kids" are just full to bursting with talent. My uncle, himself an extremely gifted musician, took up the guitar after and played while the whole room sang, myself included, although quietly so as not to embarrass myself too badly. We sang and laughed until nearly 1am, when the old fogies, my aunts and uncles and myself, had to abandon the younger crew to their fun.

My own college experience was not the most traditional. I started out at one school but after a year I left to "find myself." When I returned at a different school a few years later, I was past the magic of the experience. At that point, I was just ready to do what I needed to do and be done with it. So I didn't form the kind of deep relationships that I saw so clearly between my cousin and her friends. Most of the time, I don't really think about this. It is not the sort of thing that haunts me. I have enough real regrets that I won't waste time on stuff like this. But on the occasion when it is placed in front of me, I can't help but be nostalgic for something that never was.

It was a long drive for what amounted to less than a 24 hour visit, but to get to spend time with some of my favorite people and to share space with that kind of energy, every mile of the journey was worth it.

12 comments:

  1. Very often the "Magic of the Experience" leads to other regrets - opportunities wasted, friendships which lead to distraction and drama, the 'party' life interferes with purpose. I have always maintained that college ought to be attended after a couple of years of 'Public Service' of some sort - time spent in realizing the 'Real World', and giving the once and future college student a chance to mature a little bit.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know what you mean, Cara. I worked two jobs all thru nursing school, and just wasn't into partying or living on campus, so I missed out on a lot of the "college experience". I see my niece having an awesome experience in college now, and sometimes I feel that same twinge of regret that you're describing.

    Sounds like a great way to spend the weekend! I often wish music was one of my talents, but sadly, it SO isn't. Even the dog covers her ears when I sing...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Where did you go to find yourself? Any luck?

    I too, feel as if I missed out on college life, but I try not to have regrets. I agree with Lceel's comment, that with the "magic" comes some regrets. I am happy now that I got where I am the way I did.

    Glad you had a good weekend. I love going away to see people that are dear to me. It's what makes great memories.

    ReplyDelete
  4. For several years back in my twenties, I attended a party at my friend's godfather's house. There was always a piano player there and a big singalong. I am a terrible singer, but always LOVED being a part of that experience with my friends. I'm sure it would have been even more special if one of my family members or close friends were playing the music and celebrating a huge accomplishment. Sounds like the day was well worth the trip. Can I ask if you "got to" drive there all by yourself because one of my current mom fantasies is to be in my car, driving for several hours all by myself.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congrats to your cousin! I didn't know you have such a musical family. Sounds like a fun time.

    I know someone who graduated from there too and ended up playing horn in an orchestra.

    My college experience was different from yours, but I often wish I'd done the "real college thing." Because of finances, I had to stay home and commute to the local university, so I never stayed in a dorm. I did make friends, but none of my friendships lasted past graduation.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's the problem with too much time alone in a car. YOu have too much time to think, lol. Your family sounds incredibly talented! How nice!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I feel this way about college too - I stupidly got a stupid boyfriend and spent all of my time with him, while other girls were bonding in the dorms...I do regret this...

    Incidentally, I also have a cousin in Rochester.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great accomplishment for your cousin! I know music school is very competitive so just being enrolled means she is insanely talented.

    As for regrets, I have a few, but like you only think about them when I'm faced with that situation. Like now since it's prom season & I never went...{sigh}...sometimes being "cool" isn't cool at all.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I know what you mean. I yearn for my university days again. I had a great time, but would have probably done more knowing what I know now. It's kind of (although not totally) depressing growing up and looking back, don't you think?

    ReplyDelete
  10. i went to a 4 year college right after high school and still never formed the lifelong bonds you witnessed - sometimes i think it is luck of the draw with that first roommate connection or maybe there really is something to be said for sororities and fraternities but I can't help but think that maybe it is the emotions that come from music that forged those relationships.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So glad you had a wonderful time! It definitely sounds like that long trip was worth it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very nice article, thanks for the information.

    ReplyDelete

Give me some sugar, baby!