Our Finest Moments
By Paula Carter

While helping the music teacher with the dress rehearsal for a music program, we often feel that the children are not going to be ready. Some of our students poke each other, while others who should have been sitting are standing. Nervous teachers exchange worried looks.

"That one kid in front hasn't moved his mouth during the entire rehearsal. And what about those hand movements they're supposed to do? Forget it!" an exasperated teacher whispers.

"Why do we put ourselves through this?" I wonder. One group is supposed to dance in two concentric circles, holding hands. They begin moving so fast that some kids lose their grip. It pains me to watch. I can't figure out how our music teacher, experienced in stage production, can remain both calm and optimistic.

The big night. That evening, the other teachers and I return to our school for the 7:00 p.m. program. Though the day has been long and difficult, it's the smell of freshly shampooed hair that jolts me into remembering the importance of this gathering.

Some of the little girls come in dresses fit for a cotillion – visions of ivory tulle and shiny, satin ribbons fill the room. Each one of their freshly scrubbed faces beams with an undeniable look of pride and anticipation. "I am surrounded by angels," I think.

Children fidget and twirl as we walk down the main hallway. Getting ready for our cue to approach the stage, boys in ties yank at their top shirt button. As they walk onstage there are nervous waves, giggling and chatter as each child tries to make eye contact with family members or friends in the audience. There is standing room only as our students transform before our eyes into shy, but shining, stars!

Taking it all in, I hold my breath. The teachers nod and give "You can do this!" looks. The music teacher takes her place. All eyes are on her. Then a miracle begins to unfold. The children sing loudly and clearly. They do the hand movements. The group that dances in circles stays slow, thoughtful and connected. "This happens every time we bring children to the stage on performance night," I remember.

Coming together. My eyes veer from the children to the sea of adult faces. The impact of the audience on the performance of a group of children, and vice versa, never fails to amaze me. Our communities enjoy coming together to see their children on stage.

We, their ever-changing, diverse community, resolve to be there for them, taking part in what really are some of our finest moments.

Paula Carter is a team teacher in a 1-2-3 multi-age classroom at Rita Cannan Elementary in Reno, NV.