New Years...Reflections

Happy 2024!

We are officially 10 days into the new year, and as you read this, I hope you are still basking in the glow of a fresh start. I am not one to make enormous resolutions for each new year because I often need to remember the purpose of those resolutions.

Don't get me wrong, there are goals, objectives, mile markers to reach regarding my career, being a father, etc., but the New Year Resolutions have not been my jam for quite a while. However, I often find myself in a constant state of reflection.

Am I being attentive and in sync with my kiddo?

Am I showing love and grace to anyone with whom I may interact?

Am I building meaningful relationships with my colleagues and students?

The older I get, the more I find that those questions (among many others) become more of a priority in my life and help inform my music-making. I still need to study my scores and prepare for the next rehearsal. My conducting gestures and rehearsal techniques need refinement. I need to hit the shed and break out those Bordogni tuba excerpts. My bass guitar chops have to develop... and... and.. and...

If you have made it this far in this post, congratulations! Now, could you reflect on where those life questions take you? Are you being attentive and in sync with those in your inner circle? Are you showing love and grace to those who come in your path? Are you building meaningful relationships at work? School? Your neighborhood?

Be great in those areas of your life, and that will help inform some of your music-making decisions...as well as studying your scores and practicing ;-)