Of all the educational possibilities At First Sight offers, the most important is the connection between gift and Giver. Every musician is given the ability to create beauty. At First Sight reminds the student of the Source of that ability, the responsibility connected with it, and the opportunities it brings to touch others in a unique and meaningful way.

At First Sight begins by strengthening the personal relationship with God, through sung music and inspirational thoughts during Descant, the morning meeting. Group singing provides students with a non-technique oriented means of connecting music with the soul and spirit. Faculty bring personal experiences and insights to the musician’s growth process.

The connection between Gift and Giver is made stronger by the realization that with each gift comes both the responsibility to improve the gift and to share it. During At First Sight, students practice sharing their gift through performances for the underprivileged and elderly. Many of these members of society rarely see children, and they particularly appreciate the music which our students share with them. Our students, in turn, find themselves blessed by reaching out to others in a tangible way, using the gift they have spent the last several days developing.