Don't Give Up On California

Last week we went to Dakota's choir banquet. She was awarded "Outstanding Sophomore" so we were very proud. As you all know, she works very, very hard with her music. She is also taking piano and she fronts two bands, one of which has been invited to be the "house band" for the prestigious School of Performing Arts that she takes her piano lessons at. So we're very proud.

But that's not the only thing I'm proud of that night.

While we were there, the band also got their awards. At one point, they invited a US Marine Sgt. up to award two band members an award for their musical abilities. The crowd cheered when the Marine came up, then gave a speech about just how important music is to the Marines. Then he gave the awards, and when he was done, (he must have sensed he was in a friendly crowd) he said "and I'll be at the back of the room if you think you have what it takes to be in the marines band" and half the people laughed andthe other half cheered.

You might remember that as of this writing, I live in California. Not Texas. Not Ohio. California. I was very happy that this little sliver of SoCal hasn't turned too blue to cheer for a Marine.

I was even more happy to hear the Choir Director, Robert Henthorn, announce Dakota's award by saying "this isn't going to surprise very many of you..."