Concert season is over for me and after stops at four different places for donut holes, donuts, milk, juice, cups and plates, I arrived at school this morning with a trunkful of breakfast for 60 choir kids to celebrate.  A handful were waiting for me at the door, eager to grab stuff out of my car to get set up.  After a few instructions, my kids did a great job setting up a buffet line, cutting donuts in half, opening containers, and pouring drinks.  By the time the rest of the kids showed up, it was ready to go and they were certainly ready to eat.

“How much can we have?” was the first question.  I was in such a hurry this morning, not being able to find exactly what I needed at any one place that I just bought stuff, hoping I had enough for everyone.  We started out with three donut holes and one half a donut and discovered we had plenty for seconds and thirds.  The milk and juice kept flowing while The Grinch played on the white board, kids sitting on the floor.

“How much did you spend on us Mrs. Bush?”  You don’t want to know, I answered.  “You must love us!”.  Yes, I must love you.  The thank you’s and hugs flowed freely from this great bunch of kids.  Oh yes, they talk WAY too much, but they sing like angels and they’re just good kids.  There was a small crew of kids who kept things cleaned up, throwing trash away and pouring drinks for others unselfishly. So yes, I spent some bucks on them, but what better way to let kids know you care than have a donut party before school?

It’s also a recruiting tool to be quite honest.  When word gets out that we do this, I pick up quite a few kids second semester.  Whatever it takes, right?  It’s getting them involved in making music and that’s the bottom line.  This also becomes a time for camaraderie, boys and girls together who have one important thing in common.  When “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” came on, most of the kids began singing together, such a natural/organic  thing to do when you carry your instrument with you.

So yes, I must love them.  It’s hard not to.  I’ll have to remember that when rehearsals begin in January.