Happy Monday...
When do we begin to develop into the creatures we become? Moreover, do we ever stop developing?
Since becoming a father, (and I say this not condescendingly, but unique is the view when it comes through the fearful eye of genetic receivership) I have been acutely aware of where my children boast and burden others with our genomic ties. The little hints, and sometimes large ones, that this kid...this kid is 100%...or at least 50%...your fault.
Now...music...music is something that obviously runs deep in our family. And so many times I recall hearing, in reference to my own skills or lack thereof, how lucky I was to be raised in a "musical family." But, it never sat right...yes, indeed I was lucky, but more importantly, I was raised in a musical village, not merely a family. And my tendencies were not solely those of my Dad or Mom, or brothers or sister, etc...though they all gave me freedom to find my voice (at times, loudly and irritatingly)...it was those experiences on the periphery of my familial musicality that I think really shaped who I became, and not just musically...who I became in life.
It is excellent to have people in my childrens' lives who help re-code their genetics for the better by being part of our village. As pertains to music, I've long held that the Bangor Symphony is one of the most important institutions in our region...not merely Maine, but in an artistic respect, the U.S.A. as a whole. Rare indeed is our band. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but I assure you, it is not. And rarer still, the Youth Symphonies we have here are under the auspices of the BSO, and so it passed that on a fair to middlin' Sunday afternoon in early April, my musical family sat in the audience to witness Nella play 2nd violin in the Prelude Strings Orchestra...wonderful enough of course...but then to conduct a piece...written by a fellow Youth Symphony member...coached to conduct (and play) by one of the most amazing teachers of young musicians I've ever witnessed...and met offstage by the maestro of our orchestra who offered up flowers and hugs.
It all hit me when Lucas (Richman, the BSO Musical Director) came onstage a bit later, and mentioned that even he had not yet had his conducting debut at age 11. Look up Lucas' resume...that moment hit me in the gut like a pound of nails...but, like...proud nails. Can you have proud nails?
No, Nella doesn't need to pursue music, but gosh, the periphery sure is groovy. And yes, I checked...proud nails now a thing.
Moving on...I cannot promise a newsletter on any given date in the next few weeks. My family and I are, and I'm knocking on ALL the wood right now, headed to France. There we will eat roughly EVERY CARB I SEE followed by ALL THE DAIRY. Washed down with wines from some of our favorites and favorites to be...I can't wait to write some travelogues, and I'm sure I'll do so as the days pass. Just wanted to let you know...wish us luck!
Current regular hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12-4.
