Take your seat and listen
Along the way, I had the responsibility to listen. To others; I tuned out the voices in my head, a long time ago. There was one place where I wish I had li<stened with more care. Convocation addresses.
My dual role as a student and a tuba player put me in a seat where others made weighty pronouncements. Twice, as a graduate, and several more as the lone bass voice (instrumental version) in those interminable marches to the podium.
The speakers were always chosen on merit. Apparently. Looking back, I can’t remember a single face, or a single thing I learned.
So, this afternoon, I listened to an address by someone famous. In her own field. She creates ane then recreates her music. Enough said. The content wasn’t redundant. And I did learn about “cringe”, which is something that will affect (and effect) us all. In acapsue: that sweater that you wear, often and with pride, will evoke cringe when you get older. Unless you’re already old.
Do I intend to seek out other speeches. No. Life is fleeting, and unless you are part of the target audience, it won’t matter what is said. There it is. The convocation speaker serves only to give the tuba player a chance to rest up for the next long winded moment.
If you have the opportunity to sit in an audience (during a graduation ceremony), grab it.With bout hands and all of your interest. Don’t learn to play tuba, just to have a place. There are other, smaller, simpler instruments. I suggest the spoons.
