I know that with each passing decade people tend to reflect greatly on their lives, many panicking about their lack of successes and not being where they want to be yet. I am attempting to accept that I am a constant work in progress and where I have been leading up to now is leading somewhere great. I may not love my current surroundings in their current state but I have the ability to transform, inspire, and be the hub that makes change.
There was a list I made when I was young and foolish and thought 30 was old. It was a bucket list with things like own and start playing cello, have a doctorate, and be in an established contemporary chamber ensemble that tours and records. But not all the things on that list are necessarily relevant to who I have developed into as a person and musician.
This next bit may seem like a bit of a brag sheet, but here are a few things I have accomplished and am incredibly proud of. Things that make me feel optimistic.
Found an amazingly sexy and talented percussionist and had a ring tattooed on it. I was adamantly against marriage for a large part of my life, and then I met him, he ruined it all.
I own all 4 of the major saxophones. The last, my bari, thanks to the wonderful Hartford Arts and Business Grant, I am still so grateful to them.
Released my first CD. I had a lot of momentum after the BOAC summer music festival. It seems like maybe I should have released another since it's been almost 2 years since that one but why rush it? I don't want to put the time, effort, love, and public support into a project I am not completely confident in and proud of. Which I definitely was with the last one, those composers are such talented and wonderful people.
I have traveled to 13 foreign countries, including living in France for 6 months, there are many left on the list but this is a good start.
I have taught over 200 private students, many of them resulting in great friendships that remain today both with the kids and the adults.
Founded an amateur ensemble for my adult students back in CT, the Just For Fun Ensemble. I led it for 3 years and it is still going strong today now that I have left under the guidance of Dr. Colette Hall. I believe very strongly in the importance of chamber music and in the relationships it helps us build with others, this group proves that over and over.
In conclusion, I am a force. A wonderful composer called me that and I loved it. I will remain steadfast in my belief and in my stubbornness to create the kind of art I wish to create. I will not settle and I will not lighten up.
There was a list I made when I was young and foolish and thought 30 was old. It was a bucket list with things like own and start playing cello, have a doctorate, and be in an established contemporary chamber ensemble that tours and records. But not all the things on that list are necessarily relevant to who I have developed into as a person and musician.
This next bit may seem like a bit of a brag sheet, but here are a few things I have accomplished and am incredibly proud of. Things that make me feel optimistic.
Found an amazingly sexy and talented percussionist and had a ring tattooed on it. I was adamantly against marriage for a large part of my life, and then I met him, he ruined it all.
I own all 4 of the major saxophones. The last, my bari, thanks to the wonderful Hartford Arts and Business Grant, I am still so grateful to them.
Released my first CD. I had a lot of momentum after the BOAC summer music festival. It seems like maybe I should have released another since it's been almost 2 years since that one but why rush it? I don't want to put the time, effort, love, and public support into a project I am not completely confident in and proud of. Which I definitely was with the last one, those composers are such talented and wonderful people.
I have traveled to 13 foreign countries, including living in France for 6 months, there are many left on the list but this is a good start.
I have taught over 200 private students, many of them resulting in great friendships that remain today both with the kids and the adults.
Founded an amateur ensemble for my adult students back in CT, the Just For Fun Ensemble. I led it for 3 years and it is still going strong today now that I have left under the guidance of Dr. Colette Hall. I believe very strongly in the importance of chamber music and in the relationships it helps us build with others, this group proves that over and over.
In conclusion, I am a force. A wonderful composer called me that and I loved it. I will remain steadfast in my belief and in my stubbornness to create the kind of art I wish to create. I will not settle and I will not lighten up.