The Listenary

I recently had the privilege of preaching at my 40th high school reunion. I saw the gentleman who helped me get my first flute. His father was my church orchestra director and first flute teacher. I also saw a trumpet student of this amazing orchestra director who told me something I didn't know. There was an elderly lady who always played in the church orchestra, way into her nineties. I hear now that she learned to play the violin at age 65, taught by this same marvelous orchestra director. I used to think that these people just came together to play, but now I know that Mr. Hamel created his orchestra out of often surprising material!

I, Wilma Zalabak, was surprising material for sure.

Also at this 40th high school reunion, I met the teacher who taught me piano in fourth grade. She was a young college student then, but she nurtured me and inspired me for a year before I went to a professional classical teacher. I told Jean I always remember her encouragement to me as my piano teacher. She looked a bit surprised claiming great youth at the time.

Then I told her that I'm teaching piano now, and her first look was another one of surprise, so I finished with "can you believe that?"

She adjusted her face a bit and then said, "Well, there's one thing about it, you were very (pause) determined."

Others interrupted us and she stood nearby. When we got another moment and Jean asked what else I was doing, I told her I play the organ for church, and I accompany and direct a choir for another church. Since I was sensing her surprise, I finished again with "can you believe that?"

Her response, "Yes, I can believe it. With your determination, you could do that."

So I told her I had let the music lapse for thirteen years, and I had hard work to recover it. Again in response, she cited my determination.

I figure here's evidence for all of you that any music we squeeze out of Wilma Zalabak was gained by hard work and determination, not necessarily by giftedness. Perhaps this very fact makes me a good teacher. I believe in my students if they will only stay determined!