When in fear I tremble, the unknowns far too many to bear, my bravado drained dry by seemingly one epic battle to the death after another in an endless ballet of karmic missteps. All too easy to feel the weight of the world crushing down on me, with answers always coming, coming, but never soon … More When in Fear
I have known for months, really years if I am honest, that I was lost, somehow broken. By all outward appearances, I am happy and grounded, successful, but deep inside, the battle rages, bearing the flag, “not good enough”. From my earliest memories, I felt the push to be the “good” child, to not cause … More Finding Myself in Madrid
Today was the last day of ClarinetFest, filled with closing ceremonies, recitals, farewells. and clarinet choirs. The exhibitors had already packed up, as Sunday is traditionally the shortest day of the conference, and many people had already departed for home or for the next leg of their European travels. It has truly been a wonderful … More Day Nine in Madrid: A Contrabass Mission Impossible in Madrid and- Finally- Museo del Prado!
Inspiration comes in ways large and small, In the beauty of a sound, The flash of virtuosic technique, The turn of a phrase, The illumination of a concept. Masters, artists, teachers, Sharing their gifts freely. I hear the conversations in many languages, Different, but all the same- Alive with the spark of excitement, of … More Day Six in Madrid: Inspiration
The first day of ClarinetFest in Madrid was incredibly inspirational, full of great music, exploration, and the slaying of a few personal dragons. The more time I spend in this city, the more I fall in love…and the more I learn about myself. Gifts of every kind, from hearing players that make me remember … More Day Five: Slaying Dragons and Finding my Way in Madrid
Me with our wonderful ICA President, Maxine Ramey. I am learning so much from her solid leadership. Today has been long and full, with lots of walking up and down the hilly streets of Madrid, and greeting the slew of clarinet players who have begun arriving for ClarinetFest. The festival begins tomorrow morning, and the … More Day Four: Out and About on the Streets of Madrid
Day three in Madrid has been a long one filled mostly with business…but I’m in Madrid, so that is perfectly fine with me. I am so enjoying working as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the International Clarinet Association. The other Board members are completely dedicated and devoted to the organization, and it’s great … More Day Three: Crossed Eyes and Other Magic in Madrid
I am collapsed in the bed of my tiny room in the Conde Duque Grand Hotel in Madrid after a long first day of meetings in preparation for ClarinetFest. Upon arriving late Saturday morning along with most of the rest of the Board, we took the opportunity to walk around the city and locate … More Out and About in Madrid…But Not Too much- Yet
Flying through inky darkness, Crossing time zones, leaving one world behind, One world ahead. We departed to billowy clouds, soft and gentle, Home. Hot towels, tiny meals, cramped quarters, That and a passport, the easy price to pay for adventure of this kind. Transformative. But for now we race through the night, Fleeing … More Night Flight
The View from Here 