by request

Each of us is involved in different activities. Our friends and kids have varied interests. And whether it be football or flag corps or bowling or the “Brain Game” team, each activity has that climactic moment capping the season, when excellence is acknowledged. In one sport we call it the “super bowl”; in another, it’s a wacky 3 weeks of “madness.”

Among multiple activities, my sophomore son is involved in high school show choir. In show choir, there is not a single, season-ending event, but there exist less than a handful of climactic competitions that are considered most prestigious. Not everyone who is capable participates in these events; however, those that do are typically very talented.

JT and his peers competed this past weekend at what may currently be the most prestigious high school finals: FAME of the Show Choir National Championship Series, held in Chicago. Qualified choirs had to previously finish either 1st or 2nd (or be given a special judge’s pass) from one of six qualifying events held across the country beginning in February. Our choir — “By Request” — qualified by coming in second in FAME’s March contest at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

For the finals, choirs came from California, Iowa, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, etc. Eighteen excellent choirs participated. Each group is then given one chance. For an average of approximately seventeen minutes on stage, each high school took their one and only turn.

When “By Request” began to sing (being the softie that I seem to be coming more and more as I grow older), my eyes got a little teary. There is just something about seeing youth utilize their giftedness — whatever their gifts may be — that is beautiful and pure.

They immediately began thrilling the crowd with the cleanness of their choreography and crispness of their voice; it became quickly clear that they were giving their seventeen minutes of so-called “FAME” everything they had. Their season would be capped by this moment. Note that while our choir has received multiple accolades all season long, I had yet to see these growing young men and women perform as wonderfully as they did that day.

The crowd and kids knew it, too; they had done their best. And so both the kids behind the curtain and the adults in the auditorium high-fived and hugged one another when their performance ended; we were so proud.

Let me be clear, though…

Our pride was not based on any ranking. Our thankfulness was not dependent on placement. Our joy was also not tied to the concept of winning. Our joy was totally based on the fact that those kids did their best. And our best is always good enough.

A few short hours later (since in this country, it seems we must always have a winner), the award ceremony took place. Adding to my tears, no less, was the succeeding moment when “By Request” was named “1st runner up. It was an awesome, humbling experience.

It was one of those moments you knew was precious… you knew was unique… you just knew was such an overwhelming, obvious blessing that you wanted to soak up every single second, embracing the accomplishment, cherishing the time — proud of each of the kids.

But I was struck by one thing more… those kids who’ve worked so hard all year long — along with so many others across the country — had no qualms about not being first. Their joy was not tempered in any way by not being crowned the sole winner of the competition. They were humbled and excited and full of joy because they knew they did their best… and they knew their best was good enough.

Here’s to you, “By Request.” We’re proud of you…

Always.

Respectfully…

AR