The BW has suffered a couple of minor disappointments this week. First, he received confirmation from Hogwarts that he had not been awarded an academic scholarship following last week's extensive examination process; then, at the Oxford regional final of the EPTA piano competition which took place on Saturday, he came away empty-handed.
Disappointments ? Yes - it is always disappointing not to win, assuming that is the goal one has set oneself.
But setbacks ? Absolutely not.
The PO has already commented here on the maturity with which the BW treats those twin imposters, Failure and Success, and his ability to maintain an admirable sense of perspective. His reaction to this week's events has been typical, even if it doesn't take a degree in pyschology (which is a good thing, as the PO does not have one) to know that deep inside there is some part of him, however small, that is hurt.
Knowing the BW, it's unlikely that sense of hurt will ever grow out of proportion, but just in case one day it should do so, the PO would like to underline a few pertinent facts.
Taking the scholarship first, it was clear before the outset that the likelihood of Hogwarts making the BW an award was slim, simply in light of the fact that he is already the beneficiary of the maximum music scholarship. Any academic award would have been one in name only - a sign that his abilities have been recognised - and brought no additional financial reward. So why give one to him when there were doubtless numerous other deserving candidates, for whom (and, most of all, for whose parents) the financial benefits - and the PO speaks with considerable authority on the subject - would make a significant difference ?
Besides, the BW's abilities have already been recognised - by the fact that he was one of the small group invited to enter the scholarship exams, and by the letter which he received afterwards, in which the Hogwarts DPs congratulated him on his performance, pointing out that he had performed well across the board and revealed no weaknesses.
Most importantly, however, just taking the scholarship exams has been a great experience for the BW. Not only did he enjoy the social aspect immensely, but he also worked hard - with much help and coaxing from the Mother Superior - to prepare for what was by far the most rigorous series of academic tests he has ever had to take. He can honestly put his hand on his heart and say that he did his very best - and for that alone the PO is incredibly proud of him.
The timing of the EPTA competition could not have been worse - and I'm not referring to the fact that it took place on Saturday, not Friday, therefore depriving the Principal and the Recluse of the opportunity to attend a live BW performance for the first time. Not only did it come only a week after his scholarship exams, but during that intervening week he also took his Grade VII piano exam. As a result, though one of the pieces he played in the competition was also one of his exam pieces, he only had four days during which to prepare the other - the famous Khatchaturian Toccata, which he had hardly played in several weeks. Despite such an unpromising run-up to the competition, by all accounts the BW played beautifully.
How many of the other contestants had had such an arduous week before the final ? How many of them had as many strings to their bow as the BW ? Remember - he has a viola masterclass coming up on the 19th, only a few days away. For how many of the other children competing - and from the BW's gracious comments, it sounds as though the standard was quite superb - is music the be-all and end-all of their lives ? Once again, the PO is proud that the BW was able to go and give such a creditable account of himself without once complaining about the pressure or the workload heaped upon him (or about the fact that he missed the FA Cup final, thrillingly won by his favourite team, Liverpool).
Over the years, the Boy Wonder has given the PO any number of reasons to be proud. It's easy for him to understand his father's pride when he is winning prizes, competitions, scholarships, gaining distinctions and commendations. But it's important that he knows that he is the cause of unlimited paternal - not to mention maternal, grandmotherly and -fatherly, avuncular and agnatic, and yes, even brotherly and sisterly - pride all of the time.
[Right, BW, that's enough time-wasting on the internet - go and practice your viola, or you'll embarass us all at your masterclass...]
Even those of us who only know of the BW via this site have chests swelled with pride. He is extraordinary.
Posted by: Heather | May 15, 2006 at 03:42 AM
The Principal and The Recluse were indeed devastated that the change of date meant that we missed an opportunity not only to hear the BW live but also to cheer him on. We were, as ever, impressed by his calm insouciance before the event. He has the maturity and confidence to put all these tests in perspective and told me "I'll do my best. I can't do more than that". By all accounts he certainly did that and we are, as the PO says, very very proud of him. He said he was looking forward to chilling out over the weekend and having a drink! He hastened to assure me that he meant a relaxing drink of tea. So let's all clink our teacups for the BW.
Posted by: The Principal | May 15, 2006 at 04:13 PM