MR. McKay - Now We Sound Like Real Musicians!

Funded Sep 24, 2023

A clarinet student splits their reed. The look of "disaster" and hopelessness is heart-wrenching. They are genuinely scared because they know that they cannot continue rehearsing with the band, and they know that they need to, and want to. It is a difficult moment. But then you immediately hand them a new reed. And just as quickly, their countenance transforms from tragedy and despair to hope, relief and gratitude. And THAT, is a life-changing and highly fulfilling moment.

Until you have seen this played out in front of you with new reeds, cleaning cloths, rosin for bows, functioning drum practice pads, valve oil, and many other necessary but often taken for granted items, you just haven't lived. That may be an overstatement. But then again, it is those little moments of hope and rescue that when shared with these young people, does make a lasting impact (on them and on me). Those little moments bring relief and validation for students and teachers. You gave them those moments. Then, having students go into a performance feeling prepared and well-supplied raises everybody's confidence, and subsequentially their performance. And that is priceless!

"Wow, Mr. McKay, we DO sound like real musicians"

"That was our best concert EVER!"

These and other such phrases were actually and enthusiastically spoken to me and others who have told me about how excited these students were.

I hope that through what I have shared here, you can feel some of the joy and satisfaction that has filled me over the past couple of months. Thanks to you, I could more efficiently and effectively do my job. Thanks to you, my students were supplied, prepared, encouraged and sounded terrific! Thank you!”

With gratitude,

Mr. McKay