Tonght we drank margaritas for a good cause. The George Washington Middle School orchestra held a fundraiser at a Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood. There were quesadillas, burritos, and fajitas, with live entertainment from orchestra students, under the direction of the amazing GWMS orchestra director, Mr. Jonathan Jones. The students were raising money for an upcoming orchestra trip to Atlanta.
This middle school orchestra is near and dear to our hearts. Our son, now a senior in college, played violin with the group for years. Bob and I worked with the parents' booster group. We led the busking program, helped with uniform fittings, raised money, chaperoned orchestra trips, and photographed concerts.
Being part of the middle school orchestra was a highlight of our son's childhood, mostly because Mr. Jones was such a wonderful teacher, one of those rare souls who really understands middle school kids and knows how to get the best work out of them, helping them achieve more than they thought possible. And they really did achieve. They always received straight Superior ratings in every assessment and competition. And they had so much fun doing it. Of course, Jon Morgan went on to be a key part of the high-school orchestra, too. And that was also a good experience, but never as magical as playing in Mr. Jones's orchestra. The year he was in 8th grade, the orchestra actually played one of his original compositions!
So of course we wanted to come out and support the group by attending the fundraiser. And if that meant drinking a margarita, well, we were willing to make the sacrifice. After all, it was a worthy cause.
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