I went to a beginning band recital
It was just as chaotic and cute as one would expect. It took place in the school gymnasium.
A couple of soloists had to start their selections over after emptying their condensation/spit valves
One kid got his hair stuck in his tuba while standing in line waiting to do his solo. That was right after he barely missed knocking out the kid behind him with the tuba when he turned around really fast.
You could tell which adults belonged to which kid during each solo, obviously. There were adults who had gotten there straight from work -- office jobs, construction jobs, hospital jobs. There were people who had gotten there directly after some medical treatments. You know that colorful, stretchy bandaging they wrap around your arm when you've had various IVs and things going on? Saw some of those.
These kids were playing notes on instruments they had touched for the first time in their lives only 2 months prior. Many of them don't have access to an instrument to practice at home; they only have that one class period while at school to get a musical instrument in their hands. They put on their dresses and button-down shirts and slacks and played their little hearts out. All five notes. With spirit!
And their adults showed up for them, already exhausted after a full day of work, savoring every note, every missed beat, every errant squeak, and every triumphant blast.
It was nice. Glad I was there.