The End of Progressions

Not that long ago, Progressions had just begun, and he could barely play a note on his violin.

 But now, he's done.  The 2-year commitment that seemed like forever is over...

Here he stands with his fellow-violinists, J and A.  Such talent there!  A is by far one of the best--his solo at this concert blew me away!, Rex has improved so very much--I'm so proud of him!, and J is faithful, always following through despite not always looking so confident.  I am thankful for these boys in Rex's life and for this whole Progressions experience.

 What a gift!  Two years ago, we opened up a letter saying that Rex had been nominated to be a part of this program.  The fee?  Twenty-five dollars per year.  That's it.  For private lessons, for instrument rental, for everything.  That's it.  What a gift!

 The concert was beautiful...they are SO  much better than they were at the beginning of last year!

 A little mid-concert non-verbal communication between Rex and J (who, by the way, is the only other person we know who shares Tom's first name)...

 K (below), is in Rex's class at school...another budding violinist!

 Mrs. Michaels (or Mrs. Williams as I accidently called her for the first year for some unknown reason) was their orchestra director; Rex was under her direction two evenings a week for the last two years.  I love the way she leads the orchestra!

 I am so proud of my Rex!

 Here is Rex with Ms. G, his private lesson instructor for this year.  Last year's teacher was great, too, but for some reason, Rex has really responded to Ms. G and has grown so much under her tutelage.  We're so thankful for her, and Rex is really going to miss her!  (I'm hoping that he will have her again for private lessons, but we'll see...that decision is still to come.)

Rex comparing his violin's size to that of Beth.  She's a lot bigger!

Ms. Sarah is the administrator for the Progressions program, and she, too, is wonderful.  Here, Rex is handing in the half-size violin that he has played for the last two years.

 Beth, Tang, and I were the lucky recipients of the three tickets per student.  Beth enjoyed the concert, but she really enjoyed the blue juice drink!

 Last but not least, a picture of Rex with the one-and-only Mr. Tony.  Tony is a volunteer with Progressions, and he is amazing.  Faithful, encouraging, and kind...he would often pull Rex out during orchestra during his first year when he was having trouble and help him work on a particular skill.  This year, a scholarship was named in his honor, so his legacy will live on year after year.  He told me that he was considering asking Rex for his autograph because he just knows that one day, Rex is going to do something great!

Thank you, Progressions!  We will miss you!