Since the junior high activity center is being renovated, we held this year’s concert at Erlun Elementary. The day before, we moved in truckloads of sound equipment and percussion instruments. Huge thanks to Erlun Elementary for stepping up and making the whole process effortless.
Stepping into this venue felt especially warm and familiar. Back in 2014, we began connecting the elementary and junior high harmonica teams, and since then not only have the performances grown more solid year by year, but the harmonica culture in Erlun Township has also flourished. I’m deeply thankful to the principals, section heads, and teachers who’ve walked alongside us all these years.
This year’s graduation concert didn’t carry much ceremony, mostly because of my own heavy workload. It wasn’t until the night before, with a glass of whiskey in hand, that I finally sat down to write the words I’d been meaning to share with my students over these past three years.
What I admire most about is the way you live with sincerity and heart, and how easy it feels to be around you, like spending time with friends. At this age, studying hard, practicing with focus, and throwing yourself into play, that’s exactly what youth should look like.
So whatever happens on stage tonight, whether it matches your expectations or not, I hope you savour the moment and let it become a memory that stays with you.
Photos by Q-Chen Image https://reurl.cc/2KRVDm
