In an alternate universe, I imagine myself to be the kind of person who spouts profound sayings such as, "Civilizations come and go, but the arts survive," and "Music makes the world a better place." In this fantasy world of mine, I'm a wealthy patron of the arts. I have my own private foundation supporting theaters, buying musical instruments, funding arts programs for underprivileged children, and granting scholarships to those students who wish to continue their music education in the hallowed halls of higher education.

The reality is I'm just a single working parent who used to dance in her youth, sings a little around the house, knows three chords on the guitar, and can't read music at all. With working days that start at 7:00 am when I leave the house and end at 7:00 pm when I arrive home, I hardly have the time to devote to my arts aspirations. My children are the ones who have surpassed any of my abilities in the arts. For this I am highly grateful to those educators who have helped shape and nurture their talents.

All told, I have been sitting through school choir, orchestra, and band concerts for over 20 years. As a friend recently pointed out, band and chorus are no longer easy A's — or just school requirements a student can float through — like they were years ago when we were in school. Today's students are more accomplished, better trained, and more dedicated to perfecting their craft.

I was reminded of the talents of today's students, as well as my indebtedness to the town's music departments for the years of entertainment, when I attended last night's concert at my daughter's high school. Once again, the musical abilities of the students amazed me. I have seen many of these students perform in their beginning concerts at the elementary school level and have watched them grow into seasoned, professional singers and musicians. I feel privileged to have been able to witness the transformation.

The concert began with selections by the Symphonic Orchestra, featuring many senior soloists. The selections ranged from "Concerto for Two Violins," by Johann Sebastian Bach, to music selections from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita." As always, I loved every selection, and I fervently hope the graduating seniors from this group will continue playing in their college years and beyond.

Two choir groups followed the orchestra. The first time I heard any of the high school choirs was in a church concert a few years ago. My daughter was in middle school at the time, and by the time the concert was over, she couldn't wait to get to high school just so she could join one of the featured choral groups. I was awed by the ability of the music teacher to take young singers, with different backgrounds and varying vocal abilities, and mold them into a group that can only be described as a musical force.