Who you know

[lewelma]

Tell me some stories about how you got something amazing because of who you know.

 

I just found out that the 'dress rehearsal' that my boys are attending for free for the NZSO (The NZ Symphony Orchestra), is not one of those 'dress rehearsals' for the donors that I expected it to be.  My kids are the ONLY people in the audience.  :eek:   Even I was not invited.  All this because my kids take lessons with the Associate Concert Master.   :thumbup1:

 

Ruth in NZ

[lewelma]

Boys came back and told me they were not the only ones in the audience. The Italian ambassador was there also!😯 Apparently this was the dress rehearsal for a private concert for some Italian ambassadors event. :-)

Edited May 30, 2016 by lewelma

[kiwik]

I don't know anyone with any clout.

[Donna]

Nearly everything dd gets to do (performances, recordings, attending shows, etc…) is because of people we've met or know but this one might top them all…

 

For the past 3 years, dd has been invited to perform at a Christmas show in NYC run by a musician we met who loves her playing and has been in the business for a really, really long time. During each show (usually a long weekend of 4-5 shows) in the run, he has someone "important" like an author, poet, political figure, actor, etc… come onstage at some point for a one-on-one interview segment with him. During one show this past Christmas, he had the composer of Riverdance on for the interview. Dd was able to meet and talk with him and he stayed around to listen to the rest of the show. 

 

A few months ago, the man called and asked if dd would like to travel across the country to perform his music with an orchestra…so in a few weeks we are headed to Oregon for a long weekend, all expenses paid and dd paid well, so she can do this. She is extremely excited!

[Dmmetler]

I really believe the biggest step in advocating for these highly motivated kids is finding that right person.

 

For DD, the biggest was getting the SSAR pre-baccalaureate grant at age 9, something I hadn't even known existed. And it honestly came out of a single meeting with someone who happened to be on the board, met DD, and recommended DD for it. That started a cascade of connections and opportunities.

 

And one side effect is that the more DD meets people and gets these opportunities, the more comfortable she is talking to people, and that in turn opens more doors.

[wintermom]

That's exciting!

 

My fil used to say, and I totally agree, that "Luck" = preparation + opportunity. We all have a better chance of finding those "lucky" breaks and meet the right people if they put in the time and hard effort to complete that preparation. 

 

Even with a fortunate encounter to meet someone famous or influential, it may not mean a whole lot in terms to getting anywhere if one hasn't prepared in some concrete way and then follow-up in a meaningful way after of the meeting. 

[deerforest]

DD has taken a few aerial workshops with Cirque du Soleil performers, and one of them came down after the show to chat with her in the audience. One workshop here and there has led to her getting opportunities in other workshops and training that aren't generally open for kids her age.

 

We've also visited the lab of one of the main scientists on Homo naledi a few times because he's a super nice guy who welcomes us into his lab!

 

When she was in preschool, we used to joke that we were the only people who weren't famous. It was an alternative school favored by many locally (and nationally known) folks, including sports figures, restaurant owners, musicians, etc. It was actually a fascinating experience for me because it rocked my preconceived notions of many of these stereotypes that I hadn't realized I had. When you see people huddled around their kids' campfire at their weird, crunchy, child-led school, you don't just see them based on their public personas!

Edited May 31, 2016 by deerforest

[chocolate-chip chooky]

DD has taken a few aerial workshops with Cirque du Soleil performers, and one of them came down after the show to chat with her in the audience. One workshop here and there has led to her getting opportunities in other workshops and training that aren't generally open for kids her age.

 

We've also visited the lab of one of the main scientists on Homo naledi a few times because he's a super nice guy who welcomes us into his lab!

 

When she was in preschool, we used to joke that we were the only people who weren't famous. It was an alternative school favored by many locally (and nationally known) folks, including sports figures, restaurant owners, musicians, etc. It was actually a fascinating experience for me because it rocked my preconceived notions of many of these stereotypes that I hadn't realized I had. When you see people huddled around their kids' campfire at their weird, crunchy, child-led school, you don't just see them based on their public personas!

 

Yes, I've taught in a Montessori school, and it attracted some local celebrity types.

When these people are with their children, they are parents like everyone else, focused on their child and worried about all the normal day-to-day stuff.