Busy time for all, but remember...

You should never be too busy to offer thanks, which is what Thanksgiving should be about. Last night I had a wonderful reunion with a former teacher of mine in New Orleans. Dr. Larry Wyatt and his University of South Carolina Choir gave a wonderful concert in Duluth, Georgia as part of their fall tour. Dr. Wyatt and his wife Susie were my friends and mentors thirty long years ago. Larry was kind enough to allow me to assist him in conducting and teaching the New Orleans Philharmonic Chorus which performed for years with many famous guest conductors and musicians. His son, Ben, has a Ph.D in Cello Performance from San Francisco State and is studying at Julliard, so I can now say that I taught someone who went there (he was all of seven and eight years old when I taught him!). Listening to the choir and watching Larry conduct reminded me how important every musical experience is, and how music touches us in unique and fascinating ways. Have a blessed holiday, and come back to school refreshed!