Sometimes people are awesome. They catch your vision and run with it. They go the extra mile to figure out how to make that vision a reality. They completely buy that your motivations are pure. Because their motivation is, too.
And then, when it's a modest success and other people come to experience and learn and grow, more people get excited. and the visions start flying and creative spirits see each other for the first time (and I mean really see each other) through the work and in the work. And gently, tentatively, a community comes together with shared values that transcend competition and ego. And I got a front row seat.
Yesterday, alongside 20+ horn players and music educators, Cally, Ken and I had the privilege of moving, teaching and learning about horn playing, horn maintenance and repair, practicing and ensemble playing. There were people with 50 years of experience helping beginner's with a months under their belts with fingerings and pitch matching. There were intrepid hornists re-stringing valves in front of an audience (no pressure!) and asking questions about oils and remembering why we all chose this instrument in the first place (spoiler alert: it's the sound!). There were long-time music educators brainstorming about making and expanding opportunities like this for other instrument families. And supporting these high-wire artists (also known as horn players) by their presence and approval.
To my chagrin, in recent years I've developed a pretty misanthropic streak amongst my generally positive outlook and yesterday, I couldn't have been found it for looking. I am so, so grateful for and impressed by these participants, leaders and supporters. You are all a lovely bunch of risk-taking coconuts.
And then, when it's a modest success and other people come to experience and learn and grow, more people get excited. and the visions start flying and creative spirits see each other for the first time (and I mean really see each other) through the work and in the work. And gently, tentatively, a community comes together with shared values that transcend competition and ego. And I got a front row seat.
Yesterday, alongside 20+ horn players and music educators, Cally, Ken and I had the privilege of moving, teaching and learning about horn playing, horn maintenance and repair, practicing and ensemble playing. There were people with 50 years of experience helping beginner's with a months under their belts with fingerings and pitch matching. There were intrepid hornists re-stringing valves in front of an audience (no pressure!) and asking questions about oils and remembering why we all chose this instrument in the first place (spoiler alert: it's the sound!). There were long-time music educators brainstorming about making and expanding opportunities like this for other instrument families. And supporting these high-wire artists (also known as horn players) by their presence and approval.
To my chagrin, in recent years I've developed a pretty misanthropic streak amongst my generally positive outlook and yesterday, I couldn't have been found it for looking. I am so, so grateful for and impressed by these participants, leaders and supporters. You are all a lovely bunch of risk-taking coconuts.
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