One Entrant at a Time.


There are many talents in life and many opportunities to use your talent. I feel very privileged to have witnessed many talented, gifted and dedicated young participants at the competition today. Some are teens and some are in the early 20s'. Erik was again the youngest entrant at the competition with the least experience under his belt. But he had no hesitation to try out and to do his best up against all those experienced musicians. He was not expecting making it to the final so he had no regret with the results. I loved meeting other parents who called themselves the dedicated "driver' for their kids. I am certainly not quite as available as some others, perhaps. (Erik made the finalists recital in the evening and placed 3rd).

By the way, we found a cool restaurant in Monroe where they serve excellent Thai dish along with some Sushi. Dr. Yang and a few of his students along with our family ate lunch there after the morning preliminary performance, and we had a great visit. Erik's mind and its attention was quickly transferred from Piano Performance to his Stomach. Erik would probably say (I have no doubt) that the lunch was the best part of the day.

All the performers impressed me with whatever skill they had whether it was playing violin, cello, clarinet or piano, they took to the stage with everything they had. My mind always travel to their home where the music education began or where the parents encouraged them when they were young, perhaps because of my own experience of having had music education and parental interest and support at an early age. Then I thought of the hours they spent knowing that what I heard today did not occur over night. And, as I always do after an event like this, I thought of the effort and the struggle the teachers must endure. It could not be easy to be the teacher to push these kids along and play beside them like Erik's teacher did.

I experienced the joy of music that the performers demonstrated, and I was delighted to witness the effort that they brought to the stage. Not only what is expressed in sound and tone, I found myself trying to feel from each student, something unique that is hidden beneath each performance. I do not understand the high technical skill in the way it truly deserved. But, It was simply a treat to experience the performance that represents the special effort of hours, days and years they put forth,,, ,,,it was precious, and I enjoyed it, ,,,,,,,,,,one entrant at a time.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It was certainly a treat to hear Erik play with such dedication, skill and beauty! God has gifted him... he is an amazing young man. I believe we'll hear so much more from him in the years to come. We look forward to seeing you again someday. He's getting so tall :-)
January 16, 2012 at 8:16 AM
Wakako 源　Eklund said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
January 16, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Vicky said…
This is quite amazing! Thank you for sharing Eric's talent with us. May the Lord use him for His glory!
January 16, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Wakako 源　Eklund said…
Kind friend's encouragement is what keeps him going.Thank you all for leaving comments for him.
January 17, 2012 at 9:00 PM
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