Giving Thanks

November 23, 2011, 9:11 PM · The assistant principal violist of the Oregon Symphony recently posted what he is musically thankful for this year. The things he lists are telling for times we are living in today and what is happening in the world of professional music.

As an amateur, my list looks more like this (but much the same in many regards)....

1 - I have a job.
2 - My job isn't what I trained my whole life for, but...
3 - that job puts a roof over my head and a viola in my hands.
4 - I have a great teacher/coach.
5 - I have supportive friends and family.
6 - I can use the printer at work to print out music from IMSLP.
7 - Houston is a not so great place to live, but has a wonderful and diverse arts scene.
8 - Many amateur groups in the area serve to bring the arts for free to those who otherwise cannot afford it.
9 - 3 friends who make great music with me once a week
10- V.com, ROCO Pro-Am, and Interlochen Adult Chamber Music Camp.

Replies

Tom Holzman

November 24, 2011 at 11:10 PM · Your list adds up to a full and rewarding life for an amateur musician (even if you have to live it in Houston). Thanks for sharing it with us. I hope all of us amateurs out there are able to be as thankful for many of the same blessings.

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