whoa — small world!

we’ve all been there in some way or another. perhaps more-so if you’ve ever participated in a super niche activity, and that tight circle seems to show itself to you every soft often when you’re living your outside life.

for me in this case, the super niche activity was drum corps, specifically my time playing in the boston crusaders, from 1999-2004 (i was given the opportunity to continue on as an instructor for the 2005-06 seasons, also with the crusaders). i made many friends, and several have become professional acquaintances and part of a fun network of friends, family, and supporters.

thursday night i was home working on my the project i teased out on that last post (still more coming on that), and got a text out of the blue from an old friend of mine from summer ‘03. it was a photo of a concert program with one of my percussion ensemble arrangements listed! when i asked her where she was, she responded that this was being performed by one of the presenting ensembles at the alabama music educators association’s annual conference - WOW what a neat surprise!

i took the opportunity to reach out to the director of the percussion ensemble and thank him for programming my work, and was met with an enthusiastic response, and we are working to find a time when i can do a video call with him and his students to talk about the piece, do a Q/A, etc.

it reminded me how much i really love getting to connect with people over music, talk shop, and how much i miss working with older students, particularly in that high school world. what a rich and memorable experience those students got by earning the privilege of performing at their state conference - what an honor!

i close this post by saying that i would love to be doing more visiting with colleagues in the world of music education. no matter the grade level, type of ensemble, end goal, i would just love to be able to give of myself in that way.

if you or someone you know is looking for a positive director-consultant relationship, whether it’s to help bring some extra encouragement and inspiration to your students, giving some feedback on a specific piece or program, helping with concert readiness or adjudication/festival prep… i am here. don’t worry about rates, let’s talk and find how we can work together. your students’ success is our shared goal.