As I was perusing possible musicals, I ran across an article written by a music teacher who had recently performed one of the musicals proffered for sale. The article from Bad Wolf Press was entitled, "Derek's Triumph". Derek was a highly intelligent, autistic student who loved music. The article's author wrote, "Although he was friendly and eager to play and have friends, his black-and-white way of seeing the world was difficult for the other students to appreciate. Derek was quick to tattle because rules should not be broken, ever. Receiving acknowledgment and praise from his peers was rare." While working on the school musical, Derek's mother had ordered the piano score online so he could learn the music and play along with the recording on one of the songs. During the performance, which began well, the CD player abruptly stopped, leaving the students with no music. Derek, who had learned to play ALL of the songs in the musical, saved the day as he brilliantly accompanied all the remaining songs. To abundant applause, Derek bowed as his classmates and the audience showered their new-found hero with praise!
I love this story! Every person has a place in music! In fact, every person has a place in this world! God made each of us and because of that we are highly valued! I find this quote by Albert Einstein to be quite apt: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” These are facts: I will never play pro football, be a skilled mathematician, or a proficient skydiver--but, I am a skilled musician. The marvelous truth about music is that the field is so vast and diverse, there is something for everyone! All God's children have a place in the choir!
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Debbie Dyer
