Ray's Violin

Ray's violin is a symbol of connection. When Ray first encounters the instrument, he feels connected to his grandmother, to her grandfather, and to his musical ancestry. Over the course of the years following, Ray discovers a connection with the instrument itself. He also realizes that the fiddle empowers him to connect with others through music.

Tchaikovsky Competition

The Tchaikovsky Competition is a symbol of accomplishment. When Ray's teachers first encourage him to apply to the competition, Ray is skeptical, disbelieving that he is good enough to participate. However, he soon realizes that if he believes in his own capabilities, the competition is feasible. He goes on to apply and get accepted to the competition, ultimately competing and winning second prize. The competition is thus a manifestation of Ray's dreams, and a reification of his musical talents.

Violin Case

PopPop's violin case is symbolic of...