K J Windingland

My family drove to Minneapolis (a 75 minute car ride). I was dressed up, had my violin and walked onto a large stage  with a group of other kids my age. We held our violins in rest position and took a bow- a proper 3- second bow, looking at our feet. The audience clapped and we walked off the stage. 

Wait! That's it?! I don't get to play anything!? I was insulted and embarrassed that the grownups didn't think I was good enough to do anything except bow.  I knew how to play several songs. No one told me I wasn't going to PLAY anything at my first CONCERT. 

Every year, winners of the Minnesota Music Educators Association performed in a concert at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). This was my first of three times winning. 

I met my first Coton de Tulear at Chautauqua Music Camp. My Viola teacher had brought his Coton de Tulear puppy from California. I had never felt such a soft fluffy dog before. Ever since then I wanted one. Ten years later, when I lived near a Coton breeder, I was able to get my first Coton, "Fluffy".

Photographer: Lindsey Stubinger