In eighth grade, our orchestra director, Mr. D., urged our class to be kind to a new student. He told us, "She came from the world's worst beginning class."
Referencing my sixth grade beginning class of mostly disinterested players who didn't practice, I told Mr. D., "I thought my class was the worst beginning class." He laughed before gesturing to my double bass and me and responding, "But look what emerged."
I still appreciate every kind word anyone has given me about my musical accomplishments. The unique phrasing of that particular compliment, however, still looms large in my mind.
