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Why is the hotel congratulating Mimi?

Why is her mother singing this old Queen song?

Because Mimi placed second in the Tennessee State Music Teachers Association Competition, piano concerto division, playing the Dminor Bach piano concerto. Good friend Hao, placed first playing Rach 2.

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Mimi pictured here with friends Hao and Melissa who placed first in both solo piano and violin with their teacher Rachel Acuff. Hao studies with David Northington.

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It is always an amazing thing to watch the progression of a student from learning the basics, inner fighting with the practicing issue, and then evolving into a full blown inspired musician. Year after year we go to this competition and see old friends and meet new faces, only to watch this journey unfold. Within a range between 5 adn 10 years we wait to hear each students progress, to congratulate their parents and teacher. This lovely woman above is my friend Rachel who so lovingly has instilled a passion for music in my sweet girl Mimi. There is a chinese saying which says, " A teacher for a day , is a parent for a lifetime." There is no greater friendship than with a student who has succeeded. I send heartfelt congratulations to you, Rachel Acuff , for walking this road with my daughter. We are so very thankful and love you so very much.
   

Valarie Budayr Avatar

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13 responses to “We are the champions, my friends”

  1. gardenmama Avatar

    What a beautiful post!
    Congratulations to your family Valarie!

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  2. marcia @child in harmony Avatar

    Oh Valarie, how very special!
    Congratulations to Mimi and all of you! It is so wonderful to connect with music and even better to have it become a passion.
    happy day!

    Like

  3. Ren Avatar

    Mazol Tov- Your daughter is beautiful.

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  4. Heather Avatar

    Valarie, you have raised such amazing children. I truly hope that one day I am half the mama you are. Congratulations to Miriam

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  5. kendra Avatar

    how fantastic! how lucky you are to have such a pianist at home! congrats to you and your sweet mimi!

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  6. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Thank you Nicole! 🙂

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  7. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Oh you are so right. It’s one of the greatest things in our live. It’s not the winning, it’s the playing and sharing that is the most cherished.

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  8. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Thank you so much Ren.

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  9. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Heather, thank you for your very kind words. It loving the journey that makes motherhood so magnificent. You are the most awesome mom ever.

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  10. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Thanks Kendra. I appreciate your kind words.

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  11. Jacqueline Avatar

    Dearest Valarie, yipee and congrats to your sweet beautiful Mimi! This is really truely fantastic! This post and the photos make me smile!! Have a lovely merry happy week and love to you!

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  12. AG Ambroult Avatar

    Valarie! you must be so proud! Congrats to your girl Mimi. 🙂
    My girls (ages 6&8) are learning slow and steady, but it’s hard to pin a 6 year old down, as I am sure you know. They’re working their way through the beginning of Mozart Sonata III in C. It’s really fun watching them discover their abilities, and feeding off that sense of accomplishment. I can already see the start of what you described as “watching them progress from learning the basics, inner fighting, then evolving into a musician.” I can’t wait to see my girls through the journey.

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  13. Nicola (Which name?) Avatar

    Wow! Wow! That is wonderful!
    Congratulations!
    Nicola

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