Better Than Me

This is a picture of my daughter’s first band concert.  She plays the clarinet with the Grade 6 band, but only Grade 5 in a 5/6 split class.  As a parent, my deepest desire for my daughter is to be better than me.  Mission accomplished many times over and she’s only 10.  For example, in the past year she successfully completed all 10 levels of swimming lessons, she confidently paddled board in the ocean, and now… she beautifully performed a solo piece at her first band concert.  She played flawlessly.  All of that practice at home paid off.  Best of all, it’s all her.  There is no extrinsic motivation created by me, no forcing her to practice, and no ultimatums.  She is intrinsically motivated, she is passionate about what she is doing, and she is excelling.  My daughter is a nice reminder of Alasdair McIntyre’s (1984) goods internal and standards of excellence.  Well done Zoe.  You are magnificant!!  #loveyoutobits #clarinet #musicavore #excellence #engagement