Congratulations to the class of 2020

Students often work around the  clock to claim success. It is their way of being in control of the outcome of their story. Doing well at their studies gives students a clear path to the stars and so, they pursue their education with diligence and devotion.

I have to give it to those students who were engaged in the great struggle of learning virtually; especially who were on the verge of becoming a class of 2020 graduate. Their
story is one I would consider as being unique because they had to deal with the
challenge of doing everything required to take off to the sky, online.

Thinking about that and so many of the students I had worked with who were about to advance to the next chapter of their journey made me remember life and how it felt to finally get to the last page of that part of my story. And I remembered all the first-hand exposure
and practice I did to make sure I had all the tools I needed to be able to walk
down the aisle with tears of joy rolling down my cheeks, to actually accept my
certificate of completion.

Thoughts of this ran through my mind when my sister sent me her intelligent and handsome son’s graduation picture. I looked at it and it made me want to dabble into a bit of creative expression while my excitement for his accomplishment was fresh in my mind. I’d say that I
went plowing full speed ahead and then not shortly after that, a song was born.

It is called “Moving Forward.” 

It is a song to celebrate the achievements of the students who put their all
into studying from the confines of home during the stressful time of the
pandemic and quarantine and were able to succeed. It is dedicated to all those
who were able to leverage the experience of the quietude and found success.

I felt such a feeling of elation for them that music came pouring out the well of my eyes; especially for my students and for my nephew.  Please check out the song here: https://youtu.be/cCqQLst99tM

I created the drum track and then the piano overlay and added stacks of vocal harmonies to it and then sent the song to my friend John Mueller in Chicago, IL, who added a funky bass line and moving guitar strums to it. The song was completed just in time for me to share it with my nephew on the day of his graduation.

I’m so very inspired by their strength; that even through the obstacles, they did it.

Congratulations to the class of 2020. Job well done. 

The Best Part of My Day

“Little hinges swing big doors.” – David Hooper

The best part of my day is…

Photo by David A Powell

When I get around my students and these young people 

keep me grounded and sane. I come to their table and they 

encourage me with their warmth and their talent. Their 

company is graceful, engaging and captivating. 

Photo by David A Powell

They are like these 

unrecognized giants in my 

life that deserve a reservoir 

of goodness. 

They energize me. They inspire me to want to know more so 

that I can do better in trying to give them more knowledge 

that they can apply to their own lives and journeys. I never 

expected that you could learn so much through sharing your 

wealth of wisdom and experience. I actually give myself 

homework when I am around them; especially because I do 

not know so much about music. I am just a singer and was 

never really a student of music; though I would acknowledge 

the artists I listen to as my teachers. I only took one formal 

class series at Jazz Mobile which was over a three month 

span of time. I can say, the more I want to give them, the 

more research I do to find what I need to share with them for 

vocal health and for help with their music.  

Photo by David A Powell

Thunderous acclaim is definitely suitable for how they propel 

me with sheer confidence. They truly bless my life in every 

way. 

This post was inspired by a writing prompt by Mamakat. So 

in the spirit of sharing my favorite part of day, please share 

with me yours.