Don't Listen to Me!

I usually give good advice, but there are times you should wait before you take that advice.  Case in point: Rob Banks.

Four years ago, Rob was a freshman at Berry.  I saw his name on my roll, and Alyssa gave me the update from the New Faces Talent show on his ability.  I was wary of him from the beginning.  Rob came to Berry with very little background in music.  In fact, he had only been in chorus for 2 years, but somehow wound up a music major.  He was in piano class, and it was a struggle.  In fact, everything was a difficult for Rob. Except, it was not difficult to like him.  

He was a genuine kid with a heart of gold.  He was a bit strange, wearing a bandana and or hair band most of his freshman year.  What did Rob have going for him?  A winning smile, a friendly personality, a love for people and for God, and he had a good voice.  Not a great voice, but good. His voice teacher, and other music professors were often exasperated with Rob.  His lack of focus, lack of practice, and general goofiness didn't seem to fit the model for serious music student.

During his freshman year, his very first semester, I had him over for dinner.  He came with a fellow student and we discussed his future. I told Rob, that though he loved to sing and loved music, maybe he should not continue as music major. I often use this example:  just because I love to cook, and people enjoy my food doesn't mean I should open a restaurant!  My advice to Rob was that maybe he shouldn't pursue music as a career.

Fast forward four years.  Rob has just completed his senior recital and has several graduate school offers.  He turned down Westminster Choir College, which is very prestigious to go to the University of Minnesota Duluth. He will study voice with Elias Mokole.  Rob wants to be an opera singer.  Last summer he spent several weeks studying in Italy. This summer he will be in Brazil, singing.  It seems that despite my advice four years ago, he will graduate from 
Berry with a degree in music.

I don't always agree with Rob's tactics for studying or lack thereof, nor his mantra that C's and D's get degrees, but he is one of my favorite students. And he has turned into serious singer!  He has found his way into the heart of my family, and can often be found at Sunday lunch, or on the couch watching a movie. Of course he usually has a cookie or two in hand!

Good luck Rob, we love you! Happy 22nd Birthday tomorrow!