Original subtitles

[beth] gingerbread, gingerbread, gingerbread house...

Gingerbread, gingerbread, gingerbread house...

One more time.

Marshmallow, peppermint, sugarplum pie.

[boy] you're making me hungry.

Well, we're done for the day. Will this help?

-[boy] bye! -[door shuts]

oh, mom.

This was one of the best christmas gifts

you and mom ever got me.

Worked wonders for my stage fright.

It just doesn't seem like christmas yet.

Yeah. It will.

But, now, we're due at the school.

-Right. I'll go get our coats. -Okay.

[katie] we need a tree. [sean] uh-huh.

-[katie] when? -Watch what you're doing there.

-I need another wrench. -Which one?

Uh, forgot the name.

Um, the wrench with the thingy on the other side.

-Ratchet. Please? -[katie] that. Can I have it?

Please can I have the 5/8 wrench with the ratchet

on the other side, and can we please get a tree

sometime this actual week and listen to another station

instead of this, please, oh, please, dear father?

[sean] how can I say no to that.

-Classical, I presume? -[katie] my favorite.

[instrumental music]

hey. We're doing this one in the christmas recital!

Oh, yeah? How's the recital coming together?

Uh, it's okay. Ms. Lim says I need help on my technique.

All teachers say that.

Just because you didn't like your music teachers doesn't--

katie cat, either the music is in you or it isn't.

Uh-huh. I just want to be real good, like you.

Come back out here.

This recital's real important to you, is it?

It's the first one without ms. Hendricks.

And everyone's making it extra special,

so I need to get it right.

Okay.

Well, maybe I can look into getting you

some extra help, like a tutor or a teacher or something.

-That'd be cool. -Great. Okay.

And can we go to grandma's, too, to get mom's old decorations?

You just keep asking for things, don't you?

Yes, we can.

-Maybe. -Stop.

[laughs]

-wrench. -Please?

-Please? -[laughs]

the kids are really getting there, and the lineup's all set.

And, tim, I was thinking

maybe you could give a speech about johannah?

What, me? No, I don't really do public speaking.

I'm more of a behind the scenes numbers guy.

Besides, you're head of the music department now.

Oh, just the interim head. I'm just filling in

while they find a new head for the department.

So, what do you say?

Come on, dad. It's the inaugural year of mom's instrument fund.

What's the worst that could happen?

Oh. People get bored, people check their phones,

people forget to donate? Uh, you know.

Sweetheart, there's a reason why your mom

was up front on these things.

Remember that year that she got grumpy greg

to donate three saxophones to the music department? Yeah.

I'll miss her for a billion reasons,

but to have this fund in her memory...

Really feels like we're continuing her work.

Okay, okay! I'll write a speech.

Great! Next up, the silent auction.

Oh.

-It's gonna be great. -Oh.

[sheila] let me know if you need anything else.

Hi, beth!

-You look gorgeous. -Aww, thanks, sheila. You, too.

Oh, I have your gift basket in the back.

Feel free to file some music sheets

while sitting there waiting for me.

Mm-hmm!

All right, let's see...

Excuse me, ma'am?

-Hi. -Hi.

Uh, I'm here to pick up music for my daughter katie?

Uh, yeah, sure, uh, just a moment.

Katie...

Hey. Katie.

Your daughter is very advanced.

No, I-I just found it online.

Katie said she needed some help with her technique.

Oh, okay, I see.

I would actually recommend vivaldi's concerto in a minor.

It has a lot of scale work in it.

That might be better for her.

Sure, I'll take all the help I can get.

Classical music's not really my thing.

-I'm better with country. -Okay, that's different.

Oh, I take it you're not a fan.

All that "my dog, my truck, my woman done me wrong?"

doesn't that start to sound the same after a while?

You know, some people might say the same thing about classical.

Well, you would be wrong.

Classical has the advantage of no outdated lyrics.

Oh, but those strings, they just put you to sleep.

-I play one of those strings. -[laughs]

you know, maybe you shouldn't be

such a music snob if you work in a music store.

Well, I don't work here for one, and for another--

oh, you just walk into random joints

and you freelance your opinion?

My best friend sheila owns this joint,

and I do believe that you started it.

Here you go!

-Sean, hi. Hi. -Hey. Hey, sheila.

I see you met beth, my best friend in the world.

Did you get the piece?

Yeah, uh, she set me up. What do I owe you for it?

[sheila] I'll put it on your account.

Thank you.

And, um, merry christmas, best friend.

-Merry christmas. -Bye, sheila.

[whispers] do you know who that was? Sean grant.

-[camera shutter clicks] -[beth] who?

-Country music star. -Really?

-Yes. -Seriously?

[sheila] "city girl? Red tail hawk? Sweet huckleberry?"

mm, maybe that last one? I don't know.

[sheila] oh, you are the weirdest.

-So, green dress pants... -[sean] uh-huh.

Or red dress? What do you think?

-For the recital. -Oh...

It's fine. I'll just ask grandma.

-[sean] sorry, kiddo. -[doorbell rings]

why don't you put the clothes away and meet me downstairs

because you are on potato duty.

Okay.

[cell phone vibrating]

[keys clacking]

[sean] katie cat, where are you?

Uh, in here!

Look who made it to the country!

-[grunting] -hersh!

Hi, katie! And I still do not understand why you guys

choose to live out in the middle of nowhere.

-We like it here! -And less guests.

[laughs] all right.

Those look like christmas presents.

No. Those are hanukkah presents.

No, but you can't open them until the first night.

-When's that? -Oh, I know, it's, um, tomorrow.

[both] yes!

Wanna scrub some potatoes?

I just got here, and you're putting me to work?

Oh, I think she learned that from you.

-Oh, you think, eh? -Uh-huh.

You, fire up some music, something good,

something, something country.

Maybe, uh, some early sean grant.

-Oh. -Huh?

[chuckles] and, you, let's, uh,

let's fire up something in the kitchen.

-Okay. Huh? Huh? -[katie] no.

-Look at this concentration. -Stop it.

I've had at most one bar on my cell phone since I've been here.

My-my boots, they're new, they're caked in mud.

I can hate the countryside, huh?

Also, you guys don't have a single recording studio out here

on-on, what, how many acres?

[both] one hundred and twenty-nine.

And a half. So, what about horses?

-Horses are okay. -Oh, great.

Because we're putting you up in the stables for the night.

No, I got myself a hotel room in the actual town.

Oh? Well, that sounds like a good idea to me, hersh,

because every time I come out here to this ranch,

it seems like it's getting farther and farther away.

-It is. -[laughter]

-hey, grandma. -Hi, baby.

Well, let me fix you a plate, ruthie.

No, that's all right.

I'm just here to keep my promise.

Grandma's going to braid my hair.

Yes, I am. [chuckles]

come on, I got all this new product. Wait till you see...

Well, you do her hair and I'll... Finish alone.

Cookies?

Ooh, those look delicious, dad!

Well, thanks! It was bake or write my speech.

[indistinct singing on radio]

-who is this singing? -Hmm?

Oh, that's sean grant.

He does christmas music, too?

Oh, just this one. It was a benefit album.

I ran into him at sheila's store this afternoon.

-Really? -Mm.

Oh. That's a rare sighting.

Why is that?

Oh, he keeps to himself most of the time.

He moved here after his wife passed away

about three years ago?

His daughter is in your mom's music program.

She always talked nice about him.

♪ and every soul on earth shall ring ♪

♪ on christmas day on christmas day ♪

♪ and every soul on earth shall ring on christmas day ♪

he's got a great voice, doesn't he?

[ruthie] oh, so how're you feeling?

Uh, I'm excited. And nervous.

It's my first time performing a solo, so...

Oh! I remember my first solo.

Oh, we're gonna have to fix your hair up real special for that.

You got any ideas? Cornrows? Box braids?

Um... I want to wear it out...

-Yeah. -Maybe? [chuckles]

-but... -But what?

But I think it should be slicked back.

-It looks more professional. -More professional?

Did somebody tell you that?

No, but I've seen it on the social media, so...

I think it's good to stand out.

You be proud of who you are and what you are.

And no matter how you wear your hair,

it will be beautiful, just like you.

[chuckles] yeah.

All right.

♪ we got to get it started ♪

-[katie chuckles] -knock knock.

[chuckles] I thought you could use something sweet.

-Thank you. -Aww, thank you.

You're welcome.

Hey, ruthie, you, uh, got a minute?

Sure.

-You think about it, okay? -Okay.

Because whatever you want to do with your hair,

that's what we're gonna do, all right?

-All right. -I'll be right back.

-You two okay in there? -Oh, we're fine.

Braiding time is bonding time.

She talks, I listen.

Huh. Before you know it, she'll be braiding her own hair.

Different tools than what I'm used to working with.

[laughs] I'm sure.

Have you had a chance to talk with katie about the recital?

She seems a little anxious.

Yeah. I, yeah, actually, I got that impression earlier.

I think she doesn't want to just play the part,

she wants to look the part.

Look, it's normal.

Even when she was little, she noticed the difference

between you and allison.

But now that she's older

she can articulate her feelings better.

She's getting smarter every day.

-Mm-hm. -More inquisitive.

More curious...

I don't have the answers.

Of course you don't.

I mean, sometimes you will, sometimes you won't.

But all you have to do is keep being katie's dad.

[exhales] yeah.

Oh, this is good.

I know how to make a good hot chocolate.

[both chuckle]

[ruthie] too many marshmallows, but that's okay.

-[sean sighs] -there he is.

How's katie doing?

Looks like you're getting the hang of things.

Yeah, yeah, it's... It's just the whole "without allison" part

I'm struggling with.

So, dare I ask? What's the news?

Can't a guy just sit back with a cup of hot chocolate,

and chat about the realities of fatherhood?

How is it by the way?

This is a mountain of marshmallows.

That's the way we do it on the ranch.

[hersh chuckles]

all right, man, listen.

The label's really laying on the pressure.

A lot of pressure. No more delays.

You got to get back to nashville,

you got to get in the studio and record that album.

-What if I can't? -I've heard that song before.

Everybody has heard that song before.

What if I refuse to?

W... Eventually you'll be in breach of contract.

You know, people are forgetting about you, sean, I...

Your fans are only gonna stick by the sad

widower part for so long.

Hersh, come on.

I'm starting to feel like you've run away to west virginia.

What if...

What if I don't have anything to say?

What if you got something new to say?

About loss.

About being a dad.

About driving that big old pickup truck to pta meetings.

[sean chuckles]

I'm just worried that if you close the door now,

you're not gonna be able to get through it again later.

[instrumental music]

wow.

-[doorbell rings] -oh, she's here!

-Who? -My teacher!

Your what?

[katie] my violin teacher. The one you texted.

Wait, your violin teacher? I didn't...

Katie elizabeth grant. What did you do?

[katie] you said I could have a teacher.

Who I would find.

Look, we have to be careful.

We can't just give our address out to anybody.

She's a violin teacher, dad.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, slow down!

Okay, let me answer the door.

-[exhales] -[knock on door]

-best friend from the music... -Sean grant.

-And I'm katie. -[chuckles]

come on in.

[sean] when I grabbed your number, I didn't realize...

I've been teaching students in town the past few months.

Sheila let me put up my contact number.

You've only been teaching for a few months?

I live in new york city. I am a professional violinist,

so I've been picking up students here to cover expenses--

okay, I'm sorry, so you're only here for the holidays?

[beth] you study music at bluffside, right?

-How did you know that? -[katie] yeah.

Johannah hendricks was my mother.

-No way. -Way.

-You can call me beth. -Beth.

Well, in that case...

Welcome to our ranch.

-This is your music room? -[katie] yup.

It was my mom's favorite room in the whole house.

Oh, the acoustics aren't the best because of the windows,

but I figure it's better to practice with a view

than, you know, in a sound-proofed studio.

I hope this will be okay?

If you're used to a six by nine practice room

where the view is a brick wall and you're lucky

if you can move your bow or hear yourself

over the tuba next door, this is, yeah, this is fine.

You live next door to a tubist?

No, that-that's not what I said.

-That must be very annoying. -Yes, it is.

His name is greg and he's beginner-intermediate at best.

Huh.

Well, your mother was a great teacher.

Yeah, and my dad hates music teachers.

Katie... [sighs]

why don't you go, uh, clean up the dishes?

-They're clear. -Okay, then go do your homework.

But I have a violin lesson.

Give us a moment alone?

He'll like you if you're like ms. Hendricks. She was the best.

[chuckles]

so... You hate music teachers.

I don't hate music teachers.

It's just that I don't believe that practicing scales

over and over again is a substitute for musical talent.

That is true, but practice can make

that talent shine through later.

And you are looking for someone to teach her, yes?

Yes. Yes, I am, because that is what she wants.

Here.

And you should know that katie wired this whole thing up.

I sent the first text, but I guess that

katie sent the follow-up texts.

All right, so you weren't the one who...

That, that what?

I actually tried to turn down the job

because like I said I'm leaving after the holidays

but you or katie offered me double my rate to take the job

which is not necessary.

Okay, then, well, double is fine.

-She is unbelievable. -[chuckles] and persistent.

Which makes for a really great student. And musician.

Okay, well, if you teach katie, there are a few rules.

There are no photographs. There's no recording.

There's nothing on social media...

Is there a fourth or...

No.

I would never do any of those things.

Well, you say that now, but someone comes sneaking around

asking for a quote, offering you triple your salary.

It's just important that katie has a normal life here,

especially after her...

Well, I would never do anything to jeopardize a young girl,

especially one that lost her mom.

I just want you to know that.

Okay.

Katie!

You ready for your lesson with ms. Hendricks?

Yes, finally.

Okay, well, I am changing the password on my cell phone.

-Cool story, dad. -[sean] okay.

Let's get started.

[sheila] you're working as nice in private?Was het

I literally can't say, sheila.

He just wants to protect his daughter.

Well, that's sweet.

[beth chuckles]

I never thought I'd say it about someone like him,

but raising, you know, a young daughter after losing your wife

and being someone that everybody wants a piece of...

-It must just be... -Hmm.

-Mm-hmm. -What?

Beth, am I sensing a connection?

[chuckles] stop.

I'm taking on one last student

whose father is paying me very well

which will really help when I get back to expensive new york.

-Okay. If you say so. -That's it.

It's not that I wouldn't, he...

Keep going. This is getting interesting.

-Beth hendricks? -Linda?

I'll be right back.

-Hi. -Oh, hi.

Oh. We haven't you since, since youth orchestra.

Yeah, I must've been 16 or so!

Then they whisked you off to new york. How's it been?

Oh, must be a different rhythm to charleston.

Yeah, not so much a rhythm as a slog, but...

Why, was the fellowship program no good?

No, no, the-the program was great!

Rigorous training, bimonthly showcases

and just really, really good players.

Since then, it's been auditions for orchestras, and teaching,

playing parties, hotel events...

Wait. You wouldn't happen to be free

this Saturday night, would you?

Why? You having a last minute wedding, are you?

Actually, I'm in a quartet.

I know it's crazy, but we have a christmas concert

and our first violin is pregnant

and her doctor's put her on bedrest.

We haven't been able to find a sub.

How's your here we come a-wassailing?

-It'll be ready by Saturday! -Fantastic.

Listen, put your number in

and I will text you the details and charts.

-Thank you, linda. -Oh! This is going to be great!

-See you soon! -Yes, it's good to see you.

-[laughs] -what just happened?

-I got another job. -What?

[violin music]

[sighs]

[exhales]

[music continues]

want to take a break?

I should probably keep practicing.

I just want to show you something.

It'll just take a minute.

Hm? [chuckles]

[tim exhales]

-[guitar strumming] -[door opens]

don't stop. Working on something there?

Yeah, I was just dusting it off.

Okay. Well, gotta start somewhere.

-It wasn't anything. -Ah, it wasn't anything yet.

Uh, katie keeps asking about her hanukkah presents.

[both chuckle]

I'm, I'm teaching her how to make latkes.

You, uh, you gonna keep writing or...

No. I'll be in in a minute.

All right.

I'll get your apron ready.

[sighs]

look... It's the angel tree topper mom and I made.

[chuckles] let's get it on the tree.

[chuckles] your mother saved every single one

that she was given.

So many of them...

It's almost too hard to put them all on the tree.

Does it feel like christmas yet, dad?

I think we have one more tree to visit.

[hersh] get a good handful. All right, in the cloth.

That's good, then you squeeze all the water out.

Squeeze. There's more than you think.

-Yeah. -[laughs]

my bubbe taught me this recipe when I was your age.

-That's good, that's good. -Okay.

Put the potatoes in the bowl.

Yeah, uh, we gotta let the starch settle.

All right, and then we'll pop one of these in.

-Yes! Can I do the frying? -Ah!

I should probably check my insurance policy first, right?

Come on, we're in west virginia.

Kid's gotta learn how to fry at some point.

-Be careful. -All right.

Here you go.

Okay, careful, careful, careful.

-Oh! Yeah. -Oh! Nice! Bullseye!

[tim] oh, it's gonna be great seeing you perform again.

-It's been too long. -[beth] mm.

I'm sorry for not coming home more often.

Being here. It's grounding.

Well, you came back over the years.

I know, but never for this long, and just...

I'm sorry that it took this trip for me to realize

how one-track my life is.

I do love violin. I mean, this is what I'm made for.

It's just... Sometimes I wonder if it's enough.

-The angel tree! -Mm-hmm.

[both chuckle]

what do you say? One for you, one for me, and one for mom?

[beth] yeah.

[tim chuckles]

[chuckles]

and next stop, hot cider!

-Oh. Yes, please. -[chuckles]

oh, man, I love hanukkah!

I'm gonna fry everything from now on.

What's not to love about it, huh?

Lights, miracles, delicious food, giving to charity...

-And presents. -[hersh chuckles]

-the kid is a broken record. -[laughs]

-okay, go on. I'll clean up. -Let's go.

[chuckles]

[hersh] don't you usually have a tree there?

Ask dad. It gets later every year.

Are these for me?

-Do I get drums, too? -I got you five of them.

Three cymbals. One for each night of hanukkah.

-Dad's gonna be so mad. -Oh, is he ever!

Let's open them all tonight.

So I heard you were talking to him about singing?

Yeah. Yeah, I'm working on him, I promise ya.

Can you work on getting me a tree too?

And maybe my mom's old decorations?

Sometimes I don't even know why we brought them here

from nashville.

Hey, so where's my present?

Your present... I got you a kazoo.

[sean] oh.

A kazoo? You shouldn't have.

Well, it came free with the kit.

[sighs]

[beth] how's it going with the fundraiser?

[hayley] I made a list of instruments and I sent it

off to sheila last night.

I heard. She said she spoke to the distributor,

and they're all set.

Oh, no.

[sighs] the decorations! I-I completely forgot.

I told pat I was going to swing by and grab the garlands

and the holly and I...

-Oh, I can do it. -Are you sure?

-Yeah. -I don't want to put you out.

No, it's no problem.

-Thank you, beth! -Yeah.

[instrumental music]

hi, mom.

♪ come and behold him ♪

♪ born the king of angels ♪

♪ o come ♪

♪ let us adore him ♪

♪ o come let us adore him ♪

♪ o come let us adore ♪

♪ him ♪

♪ christ the lord ♪

ooh!

Well, technically, you're on point.

But I need you to feel the song!

Just dig a little deeper!

And please, pay attention to the cutoffs.

I thought you sounded great.

[indistinct murmuring]

pay no attention to that man,

he knows nothing about music.

-I love you, sean! -[man] hey, sean!

I love you, sean! [chuckling]

-hey. -Hi, dear.

Maybe I'm just out of ideas.

No, that's a choice you made.

Truth?

I wouldn't be sitting here for anything less.

Okay, hersh says it's like, it's like I've run away.

But, no. No, this place is good for katie,

being close to you.

I thought, maybe because this is allison's hometown,

I might find... Inspiration.

Sean.

Honey, how can you say that?

You have been holed up out there in that ranch of yours

for almost three years now, like some cursed prince.

You don't go anywhere. You don't talk to anybody.

You don't do anything.

No wonder you're feeling uninspired.

Allison wasn't your inspiration because you found her.

You had to love her.

You can't just be here, you've got to live here.

Well, what if what I write now isn't any good?

What if she'd hate it?

What if you're using allison as some sort of an excuse

not to do the thing that you were born to do?

What would she think about that?

She wouldn't stand for it.

-You've got that right. -[chuckles]

and it's okay to miss her.

It's okay to be angry that she was taken away too soon.

Hmm.

You want my advice, live your life.

Get out there, explore, discover something.

Or else...

What was the point of coming here?

Hmm?

[exhales]

[ruthie] all right.

Everything is in the storage unit.

What're you gonna hang them on?

Well, I'm about to get a tree, if you want to join?

No, I'm on my way down to the rec center.

They post a lot of volunteer jobs this time of the year.

You're serious about more work?

Yeah. Gives me purpose.

Gotta keep it moving.

-[chuckles] -[sean] thank you.

You're welcome.

-Have a good time. -Mm-hmm.

[upbeat music]

♪ jingle bells jingle bells ♪

♪ jingle all the way ♪

hey!

Hi!

-Oh, fancy seeing you here. -[laughs]

that is a lot of garland.

Oh, it's, um, for the recital.

I may have gone a little overboard.

-I'll take that for you. -Thank you.

-What about you? -I'm here to get a tree.

It's supposed to be a surprise for katie.

Oh?

Do you mind giving me a hand?

Yeah. Of course.

Must have been a big change for you two,

yeah. I mean, I grew up in nashville,

met allison there, thought I'd spend my whole life there.

The ranch was actually allison's idea.

She thought it'd be good for us to have a place to retreat.

I also think it was a way for katie to be close to her mom.

Yeah.

Uh, katie's grandmother is ruthie,

she runs bethel grace choir.

Ruthie sampson?

Yeah, yeah, it's actually how I met your mother

and why I put katie in the bluffside school.

Have you ever met her?

No, but ruthie and my mom started a youth program

about ten years ago when I was in new york.

My mom would send me links of ruthie's choir.

They were amazing.

-So you like gospel music? -Of course I do!

It's just country music that you're weird about.

I grew up playing classical violin.

Okay, which means that you are a fiddler.

No. Fiddling's not what I do.

You haven't heard of any of the greats?

Roy acuff? Johnny gimble? Texas shorty?

-Okay, those aren't real names. -You know what?

Don't tell me you have johnny, roy, and texas on your phone.

Mm-hmm. Here.

[country music on phone]

wow.

Okay.

I'll, uh, I'll text you a playlist.

[chuckles] sure.

Maybe you would like to hear some of my music?

-You and katie? -Your music?

Yeah, I have a christmas concert tomorrow night

at the charleston atrium.

I'm with a string quartet.

And katie could hear how the professionals do it,

and you could see what classical music is all about.

I mean, if you, if you want.

Oh, you know, katie and I, we-we, uh, we don't get out--

yeah, I, I shouldn't have.

But you know what? That's all the more reason we should.

I'd love to, and I know katie would too.

Okay, great.

[indistinct chatter]

butterflies?

-More like a flock of birds. -[chuckles]

-okay, pal. -[indistinct chatter]

hi.

This is, like, professional.

[tim] sean?

And this must be the talented katie.

I'm tim, beth's dad.

Tim. We were sorry to hear about johannah.

She's one of a kind.

And I know how hard it can be this time of year.

If there's anything we can do for you.

Very kind. Thank you.

[applause]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[applause]

all right! Whoo!

[exhales]

oh, that was...

-Beth, are you all right? -Sorry.

I haven't played liked that in a long time. Years maybe.

You played beautifully.

Thank you. Thank you. It felt effortless.

-Have you ever considered... Oh! -What?

Look, the second chair of the first violins

is coming available in the chamber orchestra.

Auditions come around once a decade.

I could put your name in. I can reserve you a spot if you want.

[exhales]

yeah. Oh, hey.

-[applause] -[laughs] aww. Thanks.

This is what we do.

Good to hear it with professional players, huh?

It is.

Wasn't too stuffy for you?

You were fantastic.

A natural with that group.

And, I must admit, it is good to hear that kind of music

in west virginia.

Oh.

Here's our star.

-Are you all set? -Yes.

I can't wait for our next lesson, beth! Bye!

-Bye! -Bye!

Buh-bye!

You were amazing, I'm so proud of you.

-Thanks for being here. -[tim chuckles]

♪ leaning fully ♪

♪ oh string lights ♪

♪ snow on the ground ♪

♪ can open your heart to a... ♪

[sighs]

♪ feeling ♪

relax your face. Try not to tilt your head.

Violin parallel to the ground, and again.

I'm sorry. All the things you're saying

are just getting jumbled in my head.

That's okay. Take a breath. You'll get there.

Your mom used to make us close our eyes when we got stuck.

I like that. Let's try that.

[violin music]

that was outstanding.

You deserve a break.

Why'd you pick the violin?

Uh, well, the fiddle made me wanna dance.

And my mom said if I'm gonna learn an instrument,

I need to master techniques,

so no one can question me later.

Mm, wise words. Do you love it?

I put it down for a while, but I picked it back up for my mom.

And now, I really love it, so...

-Well, you're already so good! -Thanks.

The other day when I saw you playing,

it made me really happy, because...

When I see the videos of all the famous violinists,

none of them look like me.

And then, I thought I chose the wrong instrument,

because...

I used to feel the same way.

But then, I realized that it's okay

to choose your own path.

So, if violin, or drums, or any other instrument

ignites something in you,

pinky promise me you'll follow it.

-I promise. -[laughs]

my dad and I don't talk about stuff like this.

Or about my mom. Cistma.

What would she do?

She used to make things like ornaments, decorations, cookies.

My dad forgets the fun stuff, like...

He surprised me with a tree, but we haven't decorated it yet.

How about, if after our next lesson,

we ditch these candy canes

and we make you an angel tree topper instead, hm?

You can make one that looks like your mom.

-That'd be fun! -Okay, good.

Oh!

Does your dad know how lucky he is to have you?

-I think he does. -[laughs]

let's get back at it.

-Hello. -Hey, dad.

-Are those our ornaments? -Uh-huh.

And I thought we could order pizza

while we decorate the tree. How does that sound?

Sounds good. Can beth help, too?

Yeah, we can use an extra set of hands.

If she's game.

[katie] all he listens to is country.

Turns out, you're a snob, too.

Ooh! Burn, dad!

I love the string quartet.

It's just that classical music, I-it's...

Well, it's stuffy.

Classical composers were the original

rebels and rulebreakers of their time.

Okay, but there's just, there's so many rules.

Well, you follow rules in your music, right?

Same instruments for every song...

Guitar, bass, drums, fiddle.

Same themes, same length for radio.

Okay, okay, but when I play, I play it from my heart.

I-I play because it moves me, you know,

I'm not following rules and...

Music, I-I-it can inspire me,

it can be anything.

Yeah, I'm sure beethoven would agree with that.

I was thinking about getting some classical music

for katie for her christmas gifts.

Yeah, I can recommend some downloads.

You know, I was actually thinking albums.

Something vintage, vinyl.

You know, m-maybe you could...

Meet me at the, uh, major key music shop?

I mean, katie's getting serious about this classical music

thing, I-I-I wanna know what I'm talkin' about.

Sure. Sounds fun.

Okay.

Ruthie! R-ruthie!

Uh, this is katie's violin teacher.

Ruthie, hi.

-Beth. Johannah's daughter. -Yeah.

I was so sorry about your mother's passing.

Her service was beautiful.

Well, it's very nice to finally meet you.

Thank you for dinner.

-And I'll see you tomorrow. -Yep.

Merry christmas, ruthie.

-Good luck with the choir. -Thank you.

And merry christmas to you.

Come by any time.

"see you tomorrow." mm.

Sounds like more than a violin teacher to me!

[laughs]

[instrumental music]

[beth] oh, I love the nutcracker.

Maybe I should do a piece from this.

This was my favorite, this was the very first concert

that my mom took me to.

The nutcracker? That was the first concert you ever went to?

Yes, my parents were season ticket holders

to the orchestra.

My dream was to play with them.

That's why I joined the youth orchestra.

I was one of those audition kids

always trying to get the scholarship.

I was actually given a fellowship

to new york's, uh, rostand.

You know? The feeder school for new york's--

oh, yeah, yeah. I know what that is, it's a big deal.

Oh, yeah, well...

They usually pick a couple of kids to join

as apprentices in the orchestra.

I was not chosen.

But, I never gave up.

Did you wanna stay in new york?

Well, the chances of getting a job are higher if you're there.

Because all the regional orchestras,

they audition in new york.

Yeah, sure, but, um...

That's not what I asked.

The chamber orchestra is like the supreme court.

Someone has to die for a seat to open up.

Well, except, now it has.

What if you get it?

I don't know, it's only these past few months

I've been able to see charleston through new eyes.

That's a good title.

Through new eyes.

Oh, it's yours, if you're writing.

Are you writing?

Well, trying to.

It might be hard for you to see, but...

You influence a lot of people.

You're really lucky. Wish I could do that.

Well, you do do that. With katie.

I mean, you have an influence on her.

After she saw you perform with the quartet,

she, she couldn't stop talking about you.

I think seeing you made something click.

Made it seem possible for her.

Yeah, yeah, she told me that.

But I didn't think of it as influence

so much as understanding.

Well, maybe those are the same things.

Success!

Three other stores are confirmed for a donation

to the silent auction, the office supplies,

dress shop, and hardware store.

-Amazing. -For the recital?

Yes! Everyone's getting into the christmas spirit!

How do I like it?

All right, well, maybe we should find katie's gift.

We have procrastinated long enough.

Yeah.

So, what do you think you're gonna get?

Hey, dad, I'm back, do you wanna see what I got

for our angel tree recipients?

-Sure. -What's wrong?

I was working the numbers, and we're definitely gonna need

more than just the school neighborhood to turnout

if we're gonna buy the instruments

that hayley gave us on that list.

You think we, uh, overpromised?

Anything we raise is gonna be a win.

Don't worry, you'll get used to it.

This will be an annual event after all.

Yeah. Who's idea was that again?

-That was yours. -Yeah.

-You're right, we got this. -Got this.

So, the, um... Reindeer, huh?

Yeah! Cute, huh?

-Ludwig. -Boom.

Ludwig, I know this.

Ludwig van somethin', it's van...

Ludwig van damme.

[laughing]

hey, speaking of classical music...

-How do you like beth? -I love her.

She's so smart and nice.

-You love her? -Yeah.

Well, we were talking about mom, and she's gonna bring over

some crafts later, it's going to be so cool.

You, uh...

You were talking about mom?

Yeah.

What's the big deal?

Beth and I have a lot in common.

Like, she lost her mom, too,

and...

And christmas makes us both a little sad.

Christmas makes you sad?

A little.

Katie, you know, you can talk to me about these things.

-You're not mad, are you? -Katie cat.

Just don't be so quick to let people in, okay?

Okay.

Hello. Katie told me to meet you guys down here. Whoa!

This place is cool. So big and open. Hi.

-Hi, beth. -Why don't you go wash up?

Okay.

I was thinking on our break, katie and I would make

angel tree toppers as a treat, and--

I don't think that's such a good idea.

I think you and I need to have a talk.

Okay.

I don't understand why you're so upset. I

talking about allison in katie's lesson.

Okay, well, students and teachers often bond over things

besides notes and bow positions.

That is not my experience.

Maybe not your teachers--

look, my career makes it hard

for me to give my child a normal life.

Especially now, on my own.

When you started, I asked you, I told you

to respect our privacy.

Yeah, well, it's, it was an innocent conversation.

I haven't said anything about you or katie to anyone.

She's just an 11-year-old

who misses her mom and she found someone who understands.

I understand.

Maybe she has a hard time talking to you about it.

Sean, I think you're a really incredible father

and... You know what's right for your daughter.

So, I don't wanna be anywhere that I'm not welcome.

I think I should take a step back from the lessons.

Okay.

And, um, just for the record...

I thought we were getting somewhere.

Beth.

Would you tell katie I'm sorry?

I really enjoyed playing with her.

[sighs]

-I need my lesson. -I know, but just not today.

When?

We'll... We'll pick it up in a bit.

But beth knows stuff. Beth plays with me. Beth talks to me.

Katie, I...

Okay.

Sometimes I feel like I'm closer to mom than I am to you.

Which makes me sad, because

you're the one who's here.

Sometimes because your mom's not here, I get scared

of sayin' or doin' the wrong thing.

And your grandma thinks that I could do a better job

about lettin' you know how I feel.

It's okay, dad, you're the one who told me no one's perfect.

So when you make a mistake, you can try again.

I'll tell you.

Thank you.

Allen key.

Allen key.

[violin music]

[breathing heavily]

so, what's your favorite class?

-Music. Definitely music. -Of course.

-Music. -[indistinct]

hey, ms. Lim, this is the guitar my dad signed

to donate to the auction.

Wow. Thank you. This is great.

-Thank you, katie. -Bye.

Bye-bye.

-Bye, grandma. -Ruthie.

You're a lifesaver!

I'm so happy to have you onboard volunteering.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

I've been looking for something new

to sink my teeth into.

You know, help me get my groove back.

So how have things been for you lately?

Well, I mean, with the recital, and donations,

and teaching, I just hope they find

a replacement for johannah soon.

Okay. So what would you like me to do?

I need 30 copies of today's sheet music.

Oh, here she is.

Ready?

Dad?

[violin music]

I couldn't really get a read on them and...

I felt a little nervous, and in my head, so--

[linda] beth.

I'll talk to you when I get home.

I was gonna call you tonight, but...

We've decided to hold a second audition.

For you and another player.

So, when I come back?

Bring along the player who was at the quartet.

You know, the one who played with heart, with joy.

Thank you, linda.

-Katie. -Hey.

Can we put her on the tree?

-Did you make this? -Yeah.

Really?

-How does that look? -Looks pretty good.

Okay.

[instrumental music]

oh.

[sean] beautiful. -Yeah.

Welcome to the christmas fair.

I am a music teacher at bluffside elementary

and we are having our big holiday recital on the 22nd.

We're gonna start an instrument fund

in honor of ms. Johannah hendricks,

the music teacher and champion who we lost this year.

[applause]

and to give you a little preview of the recital

I'll now have my fifth graders join me on stage.

I'm real nervous about the recital.

We can always just stay home and have our own little concert,

just the two of us.

You know somethin'?

I used to have terrible stage fright.

-You're making that up. -No, it's true.

But you did all those shows and all that touring.

Yeah, and I was terrified every time.

-Seriously? -Mm-hmm.

Then how'd you do it?

Well, when your mom and I first started dating...

I invited her backstage before one of my shows,

I gave the whole vip treatment.

But right before I went on, I admitted to her...

That I was nervous.

And she said something that I think of

before every concert. You know what that was?

What?

Stop it, you love this.

And when you remember that...

Your fears fade, because when you love something,

there's nothing to be scared about.

And when in doubt, you can look out in the audience

and know that I will always be there

cheering you on.

-Okay. Deal. -Okay. Deal.

-Beth! -Hi.

Ms. Lim wants me to play next to last in the recital.

So, right before you!

Can you come over tomorrow so I can practice?

We'd love to have you back.

Pick up where you left off?

Is, uh, that what everyone wants?

Listen, I want to apologize for the other day.

-I'm sorry. -Your privacy.

-I crossed a line. -No, you didn't.

I overreacted.

Katie, excited about the big show?

Um, mostly nervous,

but I'm gonna try and play with joy,

like ms. Hendricks always said.

Can I introduce you to my friend?

She's plays the drums in the recital.

Yes, please.

-Can I see one of those? -Yeah.

[sighs]

-does it ever get easier? -Yes.

And, no.

[chuckles]

but mostly, yes.

♪ surrounded by ♪

♪ loved ones some old some ♪

♪ young ♪

[humming]

[indistinct singing]

[sighs]

[music box chiming]

[doorbell rings]

sean, hi.

Before you say anything else,

I owe you a better apology.

We spoke, it's water under the bridge.

I want you to know that I do trust you.

See, I've been workin' on this song, and when I finished it,

the first person I wanted to share it with was...

Was you.

Let me in?

Yeah.

[guitar music]

♪ ain't it funny how string lights and snow on the ground ♪

♪ can open your heart to a feelin' ♪

♪ surrounded by loved ones ♪

♪ some old and some new ♪

♪ I see your star on the tree touch the ceiling ♪

♪ now I know christmas ain't the same without you ♪

♪ but that old mistletoe ♪

♪ lets me feel your love shining down ♪

♪ and every song the carolers are singing ♪

♪ has your heart in the sound ♪

♪ let those christmas bells ring through the town ♪

♪ knowing you're still around ♪

[humming]

♪ every room in this house ♪

♪ has a holiday memory ♪

♪ I made everyone next to you ♪

♪ though this christmas you're gone ♪

♪ I can still feel you with me ♪

♪ we'll make those old memories brand new ♪

♪ now I know christmas ain't the same without you ♪

♪ but that old mistletoe ♪

♪ lets me feel your love shining down ♪

♪ and all the songs the carolers are singing ♪

♪ has your heart in the sound ♪

♪ let those christmas bells ring through the town ♪

♪ knowing you're still around ♪

♪ knowing you're still around ♪

[sighs]

[sighs] wow.

It's really good.

Thank you.

[beth] wow, I love it.

It's just, the bridge isn't quite as strong

as the rest of the song yet.

I think, um, the turnaround isn't...

Doing what you want it to, musically.

You're offering me criticism?

No! No, no, no, no, sean.

I love it.

I love it, I just think that

the bridge could be better.

[chuckling]

I think I needed that.

The truth is, um, allison was my...

My harshest critic.

My mother was so blunt.

I just... Loved her for that.

Oh, I didn't even ask you, uh...

How'd your audition go?

It was, it was good.

They didn't exactly give it to me in the room.

-So there's a second audition. -Mm.

I have a bit of time before I pick up katie.

Can I take you somewhere?

Sure. Yeah.

♪ go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ over the hills and everywhere ♪

♪ go tell it on the mountain ♪

♪ that jesus christ is born ♪

you know, my folks, they never understood my music.

Or me for that matter.

Ruthie practically adopted me.

You know, she's like the teacher--

teacher you never had?

♪ that jesus christ is born ♪

oh, wonderful.

All right, take a break, get ready for the next song.

-Come on. -[ruthie] well!

It's about time you brought her by!

-Where's katie? -Well...

Actually, I've gotta pick up katie from a playdate.

Uh, can I give you a ride home?

No, no, it's okay, I'll walk.

I wanna watch some more and visit with ruthie.

-You sure? Okay. -Yeah.

-Bye. -Bye-bye.

You really have a way with the kids, wow.

I think it's all those years

as a school administrator paying off.

Which is why I'm actually thinking about

your mom's old job.

-You are? -Mm-hmm.

Ruthie, that's amazing.

The kids are really lucky to have you.

And I could say the same thing about sean.

[chuckles] it's professional.

Mm-hm, love may be blind

but I'm not.

[chuckles]

we're happy to have you back.

So, the russian dance again?

Actually, I'll be playing felix mendelssohn's

hark the herald angels sing.

Whenever you're ready.

[inhales deeply]

[violin music]

you really like it?

Because, hersh, I think I got more brewing.

Yeah, I might be able to lick this album.

Yeah, just get back in the studio with the crew.

Okay.

[music continues]

-thank you. -Beth, wait.

[indistinct whispering]

we both thought your performance was heartfelt and moving.

And, well...

We'd like to offer you the position.

If you want it.

Thank you, I've just, um...

I didn't realize how happy that would make me.

Well, we need you to start right away.

Because you'll be featured in our christmas concert.

December 22nd.

That's the same night as the bluffside recital.

I'm so sorry, but we need you.

It's the most important concert of the year.

Proceeds fund the entire season.

Of course.

I'm supposed to be there for the kids and katie.

You and mom.

Look, beth, you dropped your whole life to come back.

You spent months at your mother's side.

Some kids would come for the ceremony

and miss all the hard parts.

You did the hard part.

You can miss the recital.

There's just one more person I have to tell.

[school bell rings] bye.

Hi.

Oh.

Thank you.

Is everything okay?

Yeah, um... I got some news to tell ya.

Okay.

Well, uncle hersh wants me to record

some of my new ideas.

Cool.

The thing is, he wants me to record them in nashville.

Wait, like, leave west virginia?

For how long?

Well, you know, it takes some time to record an album.

But we'll be back all the time to see grandma--

I don't even have friends in nashville.

I know, I know you have friends here, it's just...

You know, when the music...

But I guess it's probably gonna be hard to get time

in the studio before christmas anyway, so...

Seatbelts on.

So, you're not coming to my recital?

I just can't if I'm gonna take this job.

I'm so sorry.

It's okay, I'm happy for you.

You can say it.

I'm just nervous playing without you there.

Especially since it's my last one at bluffside, and...

What're you talking about?

Dad and I are moving to nashville, because of his music.

Your father knows what's best for you both.

So...

We're just gonna make it the best recital ever. Hm?

Ready? Bow up!

Back straight, and breathe.

Your, uh, last session and your last student, huh?

I guess that's true, I hadn't thought of it like that.

Katie said you're, uh, moving back to nashville.

-She told you? -Yeah.

Yeah, I-it's to record, I, um...

I don't have a studio here.

It's probably time for me to come out of hibernation.

We'll be back, but...

Nashville will be home?

Yeah.

-Let me... -Thanks.

Listen, I, I want to thank you

for everything you brought katie.

It was more than I thought she needed.

Music is the great connector.

And your honesty.

That, uh, used be something I looked for in my music.

I forgot...

I forgot how important it is in parenting, too.

You're a good teacher.

Not just for katie.

-Or, uh... -Me, too.

What you said about technique getting in the way

of the joy of playing.

You were right.

That's the reason I got the job.

So, thank you, I got a lot too.

[sighs]

good luck with the orchestra.

Good luck in nashville.

Remember you've got one more fan here in charleston.

[mellow music]

[car engine starts]

[sighs]

are these, um, they just for display?

No. We had a surprise angel donor come to my shop today.

-Paid in full. -Wait, what?

Let's just say, I too have been asked to keep things under wraps

and literally can't say who the angel donor is.

-Sheila! -Oh.

-Is it sean? -It's totally sean.

It was his way of saying thank you

to the school, your mom, you.

[sighs] he told me he's going back to nashville.

Yeah.

You go get in your fancy dress and you go wallop that crowd.

Next time, this whole crew's

coming to see you at concert hall.

Since you're here to stay.

I love you.

[music box chiming]

what's this?

My first concert for the youth orchestra, I was petrified.

So my mom got me this music box as an early christmas gift.

Just to remind me there's angels everywhere that have my back.

That's lovely.

Linda, would it be terrible if I missed the reception?

Why, do you not want to be introduced

as a new member of the ensemble?

No, I do, I do, but...

If I take off right after the concert,

I might be able to make it to my mom's recital before it ends.

How about the two of us sneak out right after our bows?

Merry christmas!

I hope you're all having a great night!

We are so excited to announce the new head

of the bluffside music department...

Ms. Ruthie sampson.

[cheering and applause]

oh, thank you, thank you.

Look at you. You look as good as I feel.

And thank you very much for that warm welcome.

Thank you also for continuing to support

our wonderful students.

I cannot tell you how proud and happy I am

to be taking over this wonderful

music program.

Founded by my friend johannah hendricks.

Johannah was a special person.

And there's a lot that I could say about her.

But no one could say it better than her husband.

So, please, welcome tim.

[applauding]

I thought a lot about what I wanted to say about johannah.

And, uh, well, goes without saying,

she was much better at public speaking.

What johannah wanted most was for everyone

to find the music in their lives.

She challenged every student to find their voice. Their music.

She worked every day to make sure that students

could chase after their dreams right here

in charleston and beyond.

For her, it was always about the people.

That's you.

Johannah knew that she was not only creating musicians,

she was creating a community.

And that was her gift to us.

Now, how about some of that music, shall we?

[applauding]

let's go.

And to close our recital tonight,

violinist katie grant.

[applauding]

-nervous? -Yeah.

[violin music]

come on.

[cheering]

whoo!

-I'm kinda nervous. -Stop it, you love this.

[instrumental music]

♪ good tidings to you to you and your kin ♪

♪ we wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year ♪

♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪

♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪

♪ we wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year ♪

[cheering]

[violin music]

[cheering and applause]

merry christmas.

-Tonight was a blast. -That was a special moment.

-It really was. -Yeah.

-Here you go. -Thank you.

With all the donations we raised tonight

and because of our angel donor,

we raised enough for this year's instruments, and two more years!

Yes!

I know what you did.

Oh, I have no idea what you're talking about.

Grandma, that's the angel tree topper we made,

it looks like mom.

Aw, it's beautiful.

It really did come out beautifully.

Well, thank you for bringing the supplies over.

Hey, sean! When are you gonna get katie on the drums?

-Oh, I start lessons next week. -That long? Come on!

Get beth on the fiddle, and you guys got yourself

an all-star band, huh? Refill.

I think my fiddling technique

is gonna need a little more work.

Now it feels like christmas.

-To christmas. -[sean] to music.

-To music teachers. -And to agents.

[laughing]

-how many cookies is that? -Number three.

Number three, okay.

Well, then, there's probably room for one more.

Katie cat.

-You were fantastic tonight. -Thanks.

This music thing, is it something you wanna stick with?

I think so.

I'm so proud of you.

Oh, sorry.

No, I was just, um, getting out more cookies.

Woah, woah, woah, woah!

-Thanks. -Hey, you just can't have one.

[laughs]

I think you made a friend for life.

Mm.

She's an amazing girl.

She feels the same way about you.

In fact, katie and I were wondering

if you and your dad would like to join us for christmas dinner.

Really? Yeah, that sounds lovely.

Sort of a farewell dinner?

Well, it turns out, we're not going to nashville.

What? W-what about recording?

I decided to turn the barn into a music studio.

That's why hersh is here, we're gonna figure out the plans.

Katie and I love it here, and...

Well, we'd miss too much.

You know, I didn't think that this christmas

would have any joy in it.

You changed that for me.

You, ruthie and katie.

Thank you.

You changed ours right back.

-So, christmas dinner, hm? -Yeah.

And I was wonderin'...

In the new year, if maybe you and I could...

Go hear some live music one night?

Are you asking me on a date?

Am I really that rusty?

Maybe if you practiced, you wouldn't be.

Beth hendricks,

would you go on a date with me?

That's music to my ears.

[instrumental music]