It was dark in the auditorium when I got there. There were lots of people, but it was quickly obvious that this was because the Intermediate School band was performing in addition to the two High School bands. In spite of the traffic, I had made it in time.
Surrounded by darkness and in hopes that my late arrival would not upset too many parents, I turned left and went up the stairs to sit near the top. I made my way to sit down in the middle of one of the empty rows. With my eyes beginning to adjust, I saw an arm go up and what appeared to be a smiling face looking in my direction. Then another arm above another face. Then another. And another. Perhaps a dozen in all.
My students had spotted my arrival and were clearly forgiving of their teacher’s tardiness.
These are good kids. Really good kids. They get to class on time (mostly). They smile. They listen. They answer questions. They ask questions. They work (sometimes). And of course, as band kids will, they love being in the band.
And at this moment, they were generous with their applause and whistles and hoots of support for the younger kids on stage who were playing quarter and half notes with only a few squeaks and squawks.
I am so proud to be their teacher.