play hard

Our org, Music Industry just had its culminating activity--an all-Beatles concert!

We had a bit of money for a sound system but chose to spend it on a drum set (the school doesn't have one yet!) and just bring our own stuff and use the school's own audio equipment.

We had 3 weeks to prepare, long tests, projects, and social life included. We pulled off 8 numbers, three of those with guests from the faculty and maintenance. Just 8.

When I think of all the talent we have in the 50+ members of our org, 8 numbers sounds just plain pathetic. Like a guitar with one good string.

Now I realize that in music, just as it is in school, EFFORT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ABILITY. All that talent was wasted because some people didn't work hard enough to pull off their numbers.

A fan once approached the great cellist, Pablo Casals, after a performance. "I'd give my life to play the way you did tonight," the man said. "I did," Casals replied.

As we say in Filipino,

Kung gusto, maraming paraan;
kung ayaw, maraming dahilan.

(You find ways for things you want
and excuses for things you don't.)

Now we know what to audition for next year.
How badly do you want to play?