As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the traditions and habits that have shaped my 2024. Winter, for me, is a season of renewal—a time when the world slows down, offering opportunities for growth and introspection. With the vibrant bustle of fall’s outdoor events fading into the steady preparation season of winter, I embrace this time to deepen my artistic practice. During these colder months, I experiment with new warm-up exercises and add fresh literature to my musical repertoire. I seek out artists whose work inspires me, while also taking the time to reconnect with friends and colleagues. It’s a season of balancing new ideas with familiar routines, of critically evaluating my habits to determine which ones encourage growth and which align with my core philosophy and style.

A former mentor once shared an interesting distinction with me: habits are deeply personal, while traditions take root when we pass these practices or beliefs on to others. This thought stays with me as I reflect on my own routines. What habits am I ready to adapt or release? Which would I love to share with others, transforming them into traditions? Since moving to Salina, I’ve discovered a wealth of traditions shared by my artistic community---traditions that have enriched my life. Monthly artist coffee chats provide moments of inspiration and camaraderie. Cooking recipes passed down between friends offer warmth and connection. Volunteering opportunities, community concerts, and collaborative rehearsal strategies bring us together, even during the coldest of Kansas winters.

These shared traditions remind me of the joy in both contributing to and sustaining our community’s creative practices. They invite me to consider not only how I can grow as an individual artist, but also how I can support and nurture the traditions that bring us closer together. As I reflect, I find myself asking: What traditions in my own artistic practice have been most rewarding? What might I pass along to others? And how can I invest in the traditions that connect and inspire our community? Traditions, whether personal or shared, remind us of what we value and connect us to something larger than ourselves.



What traditions sustain and inspire you in your artistic journey? Let’s celebrate and grow together—feel free to share your experiences. I’d love to hear about the practices that bring you joy and spark growth in your creative life!