I drive a stretch of road in our neighborhood that is surrounded on both sides by small, shallow ponds. It is a hilly road that runs past some of the older houses built in this first ring suburb that has the feel of a small town. An old farmhouse stands along the road with a small family-owned apple orchard that is open only a few weeks in the fall. The ponds are ripe this time of year with the sound of hope……the constant, piercing call of the spring peepers. Over the last few days as I've driven by, I slow my car, roll down all the windows and let the sound that signals change wash over me. What a gift!

Last night I was also surrounded by the sounds of hope, though not on the road. It was our school district's orchestra festival in which all the children enrolled in the programs, elementary through high school come together. It always brings me such joy to see those small children carrying violin, viola, cello and bass cases into the auditorium. As the younger children bow and screech their way through simple tunes, you can see the concentration on their faces. Their directors arms move precisely,almost robot-like trying to keep them all on the same measure, keeping time with every muscle in their body. Then the middle schoolers begin to play and you can see the progress made by practice and maturity. Hope begins to spring up in the parents of the elementary students. Ahhh….something more is possible!

And then the moment comes when the high school orchestra takes the stage. Dressed now in formal concert attire, tuxedos and classic black dresses, they file in and take their places. As the downbeat happens, you can feel the whole audience relax and rest in the music they have waited to hear. Before our very eyes we see what can come from commitment, practice, talent, enthusiasm, rigor, and the love of music.

Last night's concert included a student conducted piece by Verdi. I watched as a young man I have known since he was in elementary school took the podium, pulling and coaxing beauty out of his classmates. They watched him, followed him, the same as they would a professional conductor.It was sheer delight to watch.

Next the orchestra teacher led the students, freshmen through seniors, through a difficult piece by Stravinsky. This gentle man has conducted orchestras at this school for 37 years and is now retiring. The pride with which he leads these young people draws out the best in each of them and helps them rise to their greater selves, creating something none could do alone. As we celebrated his dedication to these young people, my heart was overflowing with gratitude as were all those other parents in attendance.

Sounds of hope come in all forms. From spring peepers to the first draw of bow across a string, we are held by those sounds that awaken something within us that was dormant. Some create sounds of hope because they were born to do so….the frog, the bird. Others need to be taught at the hand of those who have patience to instruct, to wait, to encourage, to affirm, to be present, until the day when everything comes together. Then there is magic…. or miracle….. depending on how you look at it……and a world that seemed gray and bleak suddenly is filled with color and promise.

The earth is greening. The sun is shining. Sounds of hope are all around. Why are you sitting at your computer? Go out and enjoy!

Have a blessed weekend……