Handing over the baton

After some months of agonizing over it, I’ve decided…but it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

Four years ago, I took on the role of the Director of String Ensembles for a local youth symphony. My youngest was involved in that youth symphony, and I was glad to be a part of it as well.

Baton

My youngest is no longer so young, and while my intention was to “retire” when she graduated, it wasn’t that easy. The kids who were returning sensed that I might not be, and they began campaigning in earnest last season. I am grateful for their commitment to me and to the group; I’ve tried to make it educational, inspiring, and a lot of fun.

Each year, I do my best to “work myself out of a job” by the end of the season. While I begin the year by holding auditions, selecting the music, and conducting, by the end of the school year my role is largely that of a coach, booking agent, and roadie. The kids learn to work and play together, and I’ve always considered it a great privilege to be a part of the personal growth they experience.

As my own kids get older, though, I feel myself stretching in more directions…and stretching further. Our oldest will be pursuing a violin performance degree at a major music school within a leading university this fall, and our other two are still very involved in major youth symphonies in the local area. My commitments are increasing, and they are changing. Realizing a person can’t do everything and do it well, I have had to make some tough decisions. That’s life, I suppose.

I always try to “work myself out of a job” by the end of each season. This year, I guess I just did a better job of it.

Please feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Keep playing,

Mark