It was with a very heavy heart that I handed in my red Youth Orchestra shirt in for the final time. I have played in the Youth Orchestra for the past 7 years and I finally reached the age limit. Coming off stage after the final performance I wondered - had I made the most of that final performance? I played well but did I savor it enough? Looking back I know that I grew up in the orchestra, made life long friends and kept aiming higher with my music. I am also grateful to have reached the age limit because sometimes we need to be pushed out of the nest to keep growing and developing. It is time for me to learn how to fly on my own.