Thanksgiving 2016

On Tuesday night, after a rehearsal I wish had gone a little better, Rich said, "Do you know how thankful I am for having music in my life?"

Stephanie was getting ready to leave. I approached her and said, "This entire week, I have thought about what you said at our last rehearsal - taking ownership for not being prepared as well as you wanted to be. I want you to know the commitment you have, to bring your best to a rehearsal is just one of the things I love about you." She then told me, "we need to hug that out!"

Last night, Liam arrived for his 7:00 PM lesson. In addition to his mom, he had his friend Ahbi with him. Seems he didn't want to sing. He and Ahbi wanted help arranging a song for their upcoming holiday concert.

After eating the pizza Cara requested I pick-up on my way home, she handed me the score for The Marriage of Figaro…"want to look at it?" This will be her first leading role in an opera.

Just a few minutes ago, the bride and I finished a phone conversation about dinner plans for today.  We really have an amazing partnership - instinctively knowing when the other needs help.

I am so very thankful for the opportunity to work with singers who search to find the joy in making music. I am thankful for those moments when I witness a young person, understand and keep commitments. I am thankful for every student and singer with whom I get to work. But my spirit soars when they bring me something outside the lesson or rehearsal that seeks to understand the process of creativity. I am beyond thankful when artists see that creating life changing moments is a collaborative and committed process.

I am thankful for those who share my passion for the performing arts.  Those whose impact I feel outside of a rehearsal, concert or performance. The incredible angels that not only sing, pay membership dues and buy tickets, they keep the lights and heat on, the pianos tuned, serve on committees, help with fundraising events, and make sure we can pay the rent and staff. You know who you are. We would cease to exist, if not for you. I owe you more than I could ever adequately say or re-pay.

On a day when aromas from the kitchen re-kindle memories: I am thankful looking at lines and dots on a page puts voices in my head. I am grateful that a song title can bring back a flood of memories and sound. While I shall be eternally thankful for the two ladies who hold my heart:  I am equally as thankful that God, in infinite wisdom, knew I would never truly know beauty and love without the arts.