I have to tell myself that, too. But not with horn playing...anymore (I learned my lesson the hard way). No, I tell myself that with my musical life. I have this problem with looking back to my younger years when I got to play a lot with ensembles and had lots of time to practice...when I got to see lots of concerts (I must have seen 20 Seattle Symphony concerts in 2 years). I miss those days terribly. So I tell myself to look ahead, and hope that life will present more playing opportunities.
I'm also looking ahead with my students, which is something that really excites me. I've been doing it ever since my first day of teaching, really. I am always looking forward to the things they could potentially do. We had our Fall Brass Studio Recital yesterday, and it went pretty good. My students gave really great performances, and it excites me to think about what they can accomplish later on. They're all so young, still. I only have 1 graduating senior this year, and the next oldest are 10-graders. It's cool to think about them improving and competing in Solo & Ensemble and doing well, and going to All-Northwest or All-State honor bands or playing with the Saratoga Orchestra, among many others. I just sure hope they have the drive and motivation to practice, which is a struggle for students here. I don't know what it is, but kids in this town don't seem to be motivated to practice as much here. It's agreed by many educators and students here that they enjoy making music together, but don't care enough to work hard and be outstanding at it. There hasn't been a State Solo & Ensemble 1st, 2nd or 3rd place winner in Oak Harbor or Coupeville since I placed 3rd on horn 15 years ago. There was one a year before me, my friend Colby on trombone, also from Coupeville. But none from Oak Harbor. Oak Harbor always has kids who win the regional competition and go to State, but none have won it, in any category. I don't know about you, but to me, that's saying something. And as someone who's job is to take students above and beyond, it concerns me.
But, you know, I can't get upset with my students. I've always been so happy with students of mine that have gone to State. And I look forward to what that experience does for them.
And I also get exciting thinking about those that go into music after high school. And even those who don't, who follow different dreams. I have a former student right now that is studying music (whom I have mentioned before) and I'm excited to see this person achieve their dreams and do great at them.
And then, there's looking ahead for me again...
Take care and value music.