League member, Joan Duff, experienced a transformative moment at last year’s Magical Musical Morning. So much so that she is chairing this year’s December 8th event at the River Oaks Country Club.
As a new member of the Houston Symphony League, and grandmother to eight youngsters, Joan immediately bought a table for her Houston area grandchildren. Her 7-year old grandson, Jed, absolutely had to have his best friend, Eliza, join him. And what a momentous invitation that turned out to be. Eliza zeroed in on the violin at the Instrument Petting Zoo. She was glowing with anticipation as she patiently awaited her turn to hold a VIOLIN. And then, when the moment happened Eliza’s face, indeed her whole being, sparkled as she placed her tiny hands around the neck of the violin and was helped to nuzzle her delicate face onto the chinrest. And then – when the volunteer placed the bow in her hand and helped her create sound- she fell in love. The magic gripped her. And, the magic continues.
A few months later, when interviewed for her new school and asked if she plays a musical instrument Eliza responded, “Yes, I play the violin.” When asked where she replied, “At the River Oaks Country Club.” Ah, the confidence of magic. Hoping to turn that “technical reality” into a “reality” her dad bought Eliza a violin and signed her up for lessons.

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