Jenna wrote, "I hope to someday be as good as you." The sentiment summed up the deeper aspects of what occurred last night. My children were not only inspired to love their flutes more, but they learned, I hope, that through music they can do good in the world. By promoting Flutewise, they made others aware that this organization exists, and by increasing its membership, more needy children will be given flutes to play and scholarship money to study music.

They learned something else, too, I think, about generosity of spirit. This concert was, I believe, second-to-last on James Galway's two-month long American tour. He must've been exhausted. He could have spent intermission in his dressing room with his feet up, sipping juice or closing his eyes to relax. Instead, he gave us his attention and energy and humor. And by doing so, everyone won. James Galway got a forum to promote the organization of which he is president and Flutewise gained more familiarity in the US. The audience was enthralled by the stark contrast of an international superstar playing right beside children and adults who've just begun to learn their first notes, all having an equally good time. My students received a level of recognition that I hope inspires them to commit more deeply to music and the flute, and a magical memory to keep always.

When Jimmy came out on stage, he told the audience how happy he was to be in Chapel Hill, to see the colors of the changing autumn leaves, more beautiful than any artist could paint. He was glad to see his old friend Brooks de Wetter-Smith, the flute professor at the university, and Jimmy mentioned me, saying that I've inspired a lot of kids. I must admit that I felt gratified to hear it, but what I got from this experience went all the way down to my soul, where the joy of sharing music at its finest and the love of children at its deepest, resides.