Idols
Hello again world, how are you today?
Most people, when they think of idols imagine their favorite actor or musician or writer. These can normally be classified as 'celebrity idols'. Everybody has them. Some people may be afraid to admit who it is but everyone has them.
But this idea of 'celebrity idols' got me thinking about how many people have true idols. People who have made a significant difference in others lives. People who will be remembered up until they are on their death bed - and for many years passed it as well.
I guess I feel lucky that I have someone in my life who I can call my idol. Not a celebrity idol but a real idol. Someone who has affected my life so greatly that I thought to give up 10 minutes of my time to write this blog. Someone who I look up too as a role model, who I will never ever forget.
This person is my music teacher.
Seems pretty ordinary, huh? You are all probably thinking, "What? A music teacher? But how can they have done anything special?"
This is where you are wrong.
Back when I first started high school, I was terrible when I played my tuba. I couldn't read treble or bass clef, often mixed up the notes I could read, I got light headed playing anything higher than an F above middle C (in treble clef) and generally had trouble producing a sound. I wasn't very good and I expect several people may have thought that I wasn't going to last the year.
Next month I sit my grade 6 Trinity Guildhall Music Exam.
I would have gotten know where with out Craig helping me. He helped me develop my tone, my articulation, my breathing. He helped me to read treble clef and slowly started to help me read bass clef as well. I grew more confident with my playing, expanded my range, produced better quality sounds.
During Grade 8 I joined the Brass Band at my school which is conducted by Craig. Since then we have came sixth and second in the Australian National Brass Band Contest. As a band we have shared so many memories. So many good times we will always remember. Later this year we plan on recording several songs. These recording will be cherished by the 35+ students that make up this ensemble.
I remember Craig talking to me and the rest of my section when I was in grade 8 about music exams. My first thoughts were 'There is no WAY I will ever do one of those exams.'
The next year I passed my grade 4 Trinity Exam. When I got my score back, I was so proud of myself. I had practiced for so long to pass that exam and I did. And I had Craig to thank for it.
Last year I passed my grade 5 Trinity Exam. After walking out of the exam I couldn't stop singing my pieces to myself under my breath. I was so happy that it had gone well, expecially after I had a miniaturebreak down when I found out I couldn't produce a sound. Turns out my main slide had fallen a fraction out.
In just over a month I sit my grade 6 Trinity Exam. This will be the last one that I will sit with Craig as my music teacher.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Craig was moving to Brisbane with his wife and kids. It will be an incredibly sad day when he leaves. He will always remain in mine and the many other music students he taught's memory's.
Farewell Craig. You will never be forgotten.
--Skittles Kitten