The Street Violinist

John Fawcett playing in downtown Bend, maybe 'romantically'

First Fridays in Bend, Oregon are very festive, artistic and culturally rich and varied. All the stores display various forms of art, the breweries go crazy...well there are 20 Breweries in Bend! - so that’s a lot of craziness. Artists, craftsmen and musicians showcase their talent and among them yesterday was one of our St Francis Catholic School students, John Fawcett, who is an exceptional violinist. He is in the 8th Grade and takes special classes weekly, traveling many miles for private lessons. 

So while strolling downtown Bend yesterday, I met John who was on his way to set up in a different corner on Wall Street. I took some good photos while he was playing and mesmerizing everyone who was going by, adding to the donations in the white violin case in front of him. He is already taking part in concerts with local orchestras, and last October, just 2 days after I arrived here in Bend, I attended a concert in a local High School. Oblivious as to who he was, this young boy comes on stage and performs the difficult Symphonie Espagnol by Eduard Lalo. When he was finished I looked at the program to see who this budding genius was, and found out that he is one of our students! Next day I raved about him during the school Mass, and the rest is history. He is very dedicated and generous with his talents. He leads the singing at Mass to as a Cantor too, and have participated in a few of my weddings playing the violin. I know that one day we will have to pay big bucks to listen to him in celebrated concert halls around the country. In the meantime, good luck John!