What an incredible summer. I think most of it is highlighted in the previous posts. I'm very sad to go back to work to start the new year. I wish that my old chamber choir from last year didn't graduate and I could just start rehearsing with them tomorrow. I wish I could pick up my trumpet and jam with the jazz band from last year. And I wish I could conduct the band with the kids I had in 2008. But its a new group of kids this year and I should look forward to making great music with a new group that may be better than any of the years. Its just going to take so much damn work.
A pic of Kenneth and I reminds me of Napa and bouldering and all the rock climbing we did and making a bunch of music, too. Rock climbing is awesome because it pushes my physical and mental limits all at the same time. The fear of falling, the commitment, and the strength all combined into one. Golf is another activity that pushes your emotional limits because when you are frustrated, you still have to swing the club as gracefully as possible.
A pic of Kenneth and I reminds me of Napa and bouldering and all the rock climbing we did and making a bunch of music, too. Rock climbing is awesome because it pushes my physical and mental limits all at the same time. The fear of falling, the commitment, and the strength all combined into one. Golf is another activity that pushes your emotional limits because when you are frustrated, you still have to swing the club as gracefully as possible.
I'll miss Philip being in my class. He was one of my many students who graduated last year and had me all 4 years. He wasn't the best musician, but he was the best student. I heard a recording of the jazz band of 2008 and then compared it with what he did in 2010 and its like two different drummers. He was timid as an underclassman, but I pushed him and I kicked his ass. I scolded him when he was bad and praised him when he was good. I taught him that it is more about the confidence you have playing than the actual notes, which is probably the most important lesson he learned. It was his confidence that in the end made him a great drummer. Philip reminds me that that is what teaching is about. Not making the best ensemble, but making the best person. This year's goal is to make every student a confident musician.translation of Choral piece
Wisdom 3:1-2a,3b
Justorum animae in manu Dei sunt,
et non tanget illos tormentum mortis.
Visi sunt oculis insipientium mori,
illi autem sunt in pace
Translation supplied by The St. Ann Choir, directed by William Mahrt
The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and the torment of death shall not touch them.
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die;
but they are in peace.
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