Okay, it may be wrong but I have to brag..

At least it is not bragging about me.......

You guys know I have said my son has done pretty well with his "tuba" playing, having earned all-state honors last year as a junior in high school. Well, he just got back from Midland this evening and he has again made all-state 5A for two in a row. I am hoping this will help with getting some much needed scholarship funds to begin his college career.

Last week he went to TCU to meet with the head of the tuba studio and have a private lesson. After the lesson the professor invited my wife and I to come in to his office. He paid some very high compliments to J.J. and said that he wants him to attend TCU. I admitted that I work for Tom Thumb and my wife had the opportunity to stay home and raise our son so we probably needed to be realistic and admit that we could not afford to send him there, no matter how much we would like to.

The professor spoke some more and even though J.J. has not even made application there yet the professor said that he could offer him enough scholarship to pay for 1/2 or more of the cost through the music dept. and there probably would be more from other sources. And you guys know how expensive it is to send a student to TCU. Needless to say, I was blown away by the offer. We are definitely considering TCU now, where a week ago we thought UTA or UNT at best.

J.J. told me that his horn would open the doors to college when he began playing it four years ago. I think he knew what he was talking about and is proving his determination and perseverance every day. I stand in amazement.......

So, is it okay to brag here????

 

Well congrats to you, well your son. You shouldn't feel bad about bragging, thats awesome that he is as good as he is. I wish your son luck.

 

Sounds awesome! All State was always a fun experience whenever i attended, not in one of the ensembles unfortunately. TCU has some gorgeous ladies btw.

 

You betcha!

Dale

 

Congrats James... I spoke w/ my friend at Maximedia Studios, he said no problem on the studio time... PM me your phone number and I'll make sure you guys get connected.

 

That's great news. There are grants, Pell and otherwise available to help defray the cost. Also, don't rule out loans, if absolutely necessary. I went on loans, grants and scholarship. Getting through at any cost is most important and TCU is a very good school. Congratulations again.

 

Thank all of you for the good words and thoughts. I told J.J. and he said thank you also but has not put his horn down from practicing long enough to do anything else. He goes to San Antonio for the TMEA convention Feb 13 thru 19th. He will audition there for chair placement. He wants to play in the all-state orchestra so that means he has to be picked first chair all-state to get the only position available. His goal is lofty but he is very persistant and goal driven. I guess first chair all-state would get a lot of attention. He has already received contacts from about 40 different colleges but only about five he would really consider. Right now TCU is the first choice as he could continue to live at home and cut the cost of campus housing. Tarrant county residents can live at home and not be required to live on campus as most colleges require of freshmen.................

Dale, yeehah!!! Wooohoo!!!! Awesome!!!! Okay, I've collected myself now.............

Thanks, guys

Nah, he wasn't happy....
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Congrats James, most of my family has attended TCU, two of my younger cousins currently do. Great school with an excellent musical history. I’m sure he will make you proud. On a side note, I never fully appreciated the wide range of the tuba until I saw Drums & Tuba open for Primus a couple of years ago.

 

Just curious... who do you know at Maximedia? The guy that founded the place is a good friend of mine, although he is no longer there.

T

 

Seriously, congrats to your son!!! It is never wrong to praise others for their accomplishments. No doubt you are proud of your son, as you should be. Very good to hear.

Best of luck to him. College can be a very challenging time, especially with the financial pressures it can bring. Best wishes to you and your family through this exciting transition time!