Thoughts from The Young Man’s Teacher

Dan-PritchettThe old man gets up a little early on a Monday morning. It happens to be an actual holiday in mid-February, Presidents' Day. The local university has decided that since a lot of high school students have a vacation day, it would be a good time to hold auditions. The old guy is looking forward to accompanying one his best saxophone students in the first audition of the day. It is a rather gray day outside; roads are semi-hazardous so he leaves early to get there on time.

The old guy gets there first, not much later, The Kid arrives. He is dressed in a nice black suit with a nice tie. The Kid apparently believes that looking professional is a good thing when auditioning. So does the old man. The Kid is sporting a fresh haircut and seems calm and self-assured. The old man is surprised how much The Kid has grown up over the past four years.

After a short warm-up, The Kid is ready to head to the Audition Room. He walks ahead of the old man, carrying himself with perfect posture on his 6'3" (or so) frame. The old man has trouble keeping up with his huge stride.

The auditioning committee consists of four very talented University professors. They are kind and smiling and welcoming. The Kid is showing no signs of fear like he used to.

Then The Kid plays the same solo the old man played in auditions a mere 44 years ago. But he plays it much better. It was the best performance the old man had ever heard The Kid play in public. The old man leaves The Kid there to talk about possibilities for his future.

The old man is a little misty-eyed on the short drive home. He is very proud of The Kid. He realizes that he has been blessed by being The Kid's, no, make that The Young Man's teacher. He has been blessed so many times before, and he realizes it never gets old.