Sunday, January 17, 2010

Do the work, then it will be time to show off.

My children are both excellent musicians. This weekend was the Nassau County Music Educators All-County Music Festival. In order to be selected to perform, there is a whole audition process involving the students preparing some psychotic piece to play (and be graded by an independent judge), nomination by their teacher and ultimately selection across all of the schools in the county. Both of my children were selected to the orchestra but in different age groups.

After a week that they had multiple nights of 4 hour rehearsals, two 3 hour concerts (including orchestra, band, jazz band, and chorus) were on the agenda this weekend. Each concert included school administrators getting up to pontificate about how funding for the arts is in jeopardy due to the economy, blah, blah, blah, how music education is important, blah, blah, blah, what a pleasure it was to see the children learn and grow, blah, blah, blah.

What does this have to do with running, racing, and triathlons besides showing that I'm a proud Daddy?

One of the administrators, after his initial words that sounded like every other administrator, broke the speech template and actually said something interesting. He said that the musicians have put in the hard work and now it was time for them to show off.

I plan on using this statement as my mantra for my next race (whenever it may be). That's much better than thinking a race as an exam. Do the work, then it will be time to show off.

Got to hop on the trainer now while I watch the Jets tease the faithful again. Doing the work.

5 comments:

Big Clyde said...

I love that. My friend is also a coach and before a recent race, he told me "your work is done...the 'hay is in the barn'".

"Showing off" sounds fun and like a nice reward for the work. Thanks.

Big Clyde

Unknown said...

that is a nice way to think of it..

Carolina John said...

that's awesome! great proud daddy moment. we should all be graced with kids that work hard and can be proud of their achievements.

i was the same way, i was the only person at my high school to make the all-state chorus all 3 years i was eligible.

Diane said...

Looks like your boys hung in there yesterday Joe! Will they go all the way to the SuperBowl? My boys are out (Pitt) - Hope your team plays well against the Colts. Sure to be a tough game.

Anonymous said...

A big congratulations to your kids. That is amazing:) You should be a proud daddy, keep bragging.