Coming out of the profoundly complex, anxious, confusing, continuity-breaking last two years is going to take time. It’s going to take persistence, imagination, and a commitment to rebuilding the traditions that our students have become decoupled from.
I say that because just in the last week, I’ve seen glimmers – in February, mind you – of hope. Moments of musical growth, commitment, and enthusiasm that have been mostly missing along the way. Students have been afraid to commit and be enthusiastic–afraid of more loss. Their musical growth has been stunted by the necessary remote learning and careful reintroduction of performances.
I see the long road ahead, but I am leaving this week so excited by these hopeful moments. Once again, we can move forward, and encourage students to reach their potential. Once again, there is magical music-making on the horizon.