Actually, I'm saying goodbye to more than just summer. I'm saying goodbye to my students who have graduated this year and are heading off to college. I anticipated this all year, and predicted that I would be pretty sad at the moment in happened...but, I think the anticipation of them leaving softened the blow...because I prepared for it emotionally, y'know? I thought about it all year, what it would be like. And I talked to the students about it, so they planned for it, too. And they didn't seem as sad about it. I'm glad, because we should all be happy for each other, and I should be proud that they are moving on to bigger and better things. And actually, I just learned the other day that one of those students got accepted to their college orchestra as a freshman. Definitely proud!
We had our summer brass ensemble concert on Monday, and I was pretty happy with it. The music was much easier for the Penn Cove Brass this time around, so we were able to work on musical details, which I want to get them in the habit of now. The Harbor Brass was full of a number of new players this year, so it was a little rough at start and middle of summer. But by concert time, they really matured as a group and sounded pretty good! I was quite impressed.
I am looking forward to the year starting. I'm looking forward to recording a lot this year, which should be much more possible this school year because I have less students during the daytime this year. I also want to get back into writing original compositions again. I have so many things I want to do and to share with you all.
My studio looks a lot different...a lot younger overall. But, there are some young players I am excited about. And I continue to make more connections with the students in Anacortes. I want to set the bar higher and encourage more practice amongst my students. I wish there was a way I could make them practice...
Don't we all, huh?
Take care and value music.