Dear Editor:
On Sunday afternoon the third of March I had an epiphany moment – a truly genuine heart-warmer. There in the old gym on Orcas was the soul of smalltown USA. Musicians of every size, shape and age – and a matching audience paying homage to all that talent. But mostly we were all part of what is the best of small town America. We were there for each other.
That talent abounds on Orcas Island was evident. The nurture of talent and the sharing of the best we have to offer each other was a dream come true.
With sixteen MAG annual community fund-raising concerts now in the island history book we can look with joyful pride on our school music program. Because there in front of us was the proof that school music truly matters – a lifetime treasure – a life of sharing, cooperation, and making something beautiful and harmonious together.
Truly – Sunday afternoon in the old gym was the true picture of the best we can be as we stood and sang “God Bless America.”
I cried.
Joyce Burghardt
