Always an Adventure: I’m with the band

Growing up, I had a great love of music. I started with the piano but learned to play several different instruments, like the drums and guitar. I played a mean recorder when required for school music class, but I never had any hands-on experience with the flute until my son signed up for the middle school band.

We spent the summer preparing for his tryout for percussion, but he tested so high in wind instruments that he chose the flute as a challenge. He was frustrated initially, and because I had no experience, I was Googling and YouTubing ways to help him make a sound.

We sat on the floor for hours watching YouTube tutorial videos. Before I knew it, he was excelling.

My son would run to the car daily telling me, “Momma, I was the first to make a sound on the flute, Momma I know more notes than everyone else, Momma I have the highest grade in my class,” and my favorite, “Momma I get to be the first chair in the concert!”

The confidence he has gained in realizing his potential, the encouragement he receives from his teachers and other band parents, and the friends he has gained in the process genuinely have made a difference in his life.

I can’t wait to continue to watch him grow, travel, and experience the world in a new way. I’m so excited about his adventure, but I’m also excited to say, “I’m with the band.”

Nakeshia Shannon is a photographer and mother of three. Visit her online at NakeshiaRenee.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: nakeshia-shannon-im-with-the-band/69832476007/” data-ylk=”slk:Always an Adventure, with Nakeshia Shannon: ‘I’m with the band'” class=”link “>Always an Adventure, with Nakeshia Shannon: ‘I’m with the band’