We are HOT!

It was already in the 80's by the time the kids headed down to the dorm lounge for their 9am rehearsal today (Wednesday), showered and sweating again before they even cracked their instrument cases. By the time we boarded the bus, an hour later, it was creeping into the 90's and lethargy was setting in. We drove into Boston and set up for the midday concert in front of Quincy Market (across from the historic Faneuil Hall), sweating just at the thought of it all, trying desperately to find a little shade, handing out water in little bottles, but wishing for a swimming pool or better yet, an ocean. The kids shlepped their instruments from the bus and set about unpacking them, setting up music stands, tuning and preparing to play outdoors in heat so stifling that the granite paving stones seemed to be softening under our feet.

And then they played, amazingly, without complaint, without looks of dread or exhaustion, fretting only when the sheet music started blowing around in the breeze. Professional musicians would be hard pressed to do as well (in fact, they probably wouldn't stand for it!) Passers by stopped at the mirage and some even listened, amazed at what they were hearing, but even more astonished by the appearance of such grace and show in the sweltering heat and the obvious dedication of these young students, imagining that they must do homework, make beds and clear the table after dinner with the same enthusiasm and dedication. By now the temperature had hit 100, but from the looks of it, the kids were too busy performing, and somehow compensating as their instruments, unhappy in the heat, drifted out of tune. Even Michel, Doris and Lisa conducted with as if totally oblivious to, or perhaps delierous from the broiler like conditions. If nothing else, this day will be that day-in-Boston war story, to be told and retold, and toasted to and laughed about in the years to come. And if the truth be questioned, so here it is blogged.