The end of the year was a huge success. The graduation band was fabulous and we all said a sad goodbye to our 8th grade musicians. We all thank you for your years of dedication and wonderful talent. You helped us receive superior and Esprit de Corps for the past 2 years! Good luck at High School and please remember that I am here for you whenever you need to talk or laugh.
Summer is a time for me to relax, reflect, and plan for next year. I just returned from my first week long camping trip to Vermont. I love to hike, read, think, and cook (2nd night was steak and potatoes/onions/carrots all cooked on the fire). Anne and I hiked from late morning, ate lunch at the top, and returned to the campsite before dinner. My highlight is always connecting with nature: listening to the rhythms around me and the symphony that unfolds, smelling the pine trees, hearing the river flow, seeing the beauty that always humbles me and inspires me to remember my place as part of this wonderful planet.
I also spend time sitting by the fire thinking about how to make our music program better. I sit with my three yellow pads of paper and reflect about last year, brainstorm new ideas, make lists, and plot out my goals for the rest of the summer. This summer I am working on a SmartMusic revision, new composition program, Drum Set curriculum, a new Mallet packet, updating Levels, and picking new music. Lots to do and I am excited!
My time by the fire is also shared with reading new fiction and non-fiction books. I just finished The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom (Author of Tuesdays with Morrie, which is another of my all time favorite books). I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book!!!! Please, Please take the time to read this wonderful book about life, music, love, and the journey we are all taking thought our years.
Mr. Albom, a musician himself, has also made a playlist of all the music he mentions in the book. Over 4 hours of great music. I have attached the Spotify playlist for you to enjoy.
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer! I promise to post more this year of the wonderful things our students are doing, the inspirational knowledge I find on the internet, and our own journey we share as we play our "Magic Strings."