>> write // st thomas more collegiate music dept newsletter // june 2005

June 12, 2005

My Dearest Student-Musicians,

We’ve come to the end of our school year and probably like most of you, I’ve arrived with absolutely mixed feelings. I feel the excitement and anticipation of the warmer weather, hanging out with friends and family, travelling, and spending time at the beach sipping on lemonade and reading a good book all with the backdrop of the sweet sounds and smells of summer.

On the other hand, I will miss getting the opportunity to work with such dedicated and hard working people as you. For a whole two months, there won’t be any more waking up in the morning, straggling toward getting to the music room door before me at 7:15 AM [hey! I had to do it EVERY DAY, don’t forget! :)] only to bug me if I was even a second late. I’ll miss running up the stairs and giving out a hearty “Good Morning!” only to startle half the people who are still asleep. Yes, there won’t be any of those days over the summer. Enjoy sleeping in, you deserve it!

To those saying goodbye to the music program, I hope that I was able to make your high school music experience an enjoyable one and I know that our school has many things to offer that will enrich you in countless other ways. Pick up your instrument every once in a while or sing a tune in the shower, or better yet, in front of friends. Keep music close to your heart [and your mind, your soul and your brain :)] and remember to share it with others! To those coming back next year, I look forward to newer heights of expression and incredible, rewarding experiences. Continue to practice when you can and know that you and I will achieve even more wonderful things in the years ahead. Thank you for sticking by me and I promise to get some trombone lessons!

For those of you who are graduating, I hope that I was able to give you a glimpse of what is truly possible when a group of people come together, work hard and experience the unimaginable. We laughed a lot, cried a little, got angry some, and had a tremendous load of fun in the process [we even sang or played some along the way.] May the road ahead be blessed and rich with wonder and awe as you continue your journey toward greatness. You are all beautiful and gifted in your own unique ways and I want you to know that each of you are a part of me and have taught me a lot of what it means to strive to be a better human being. Humility, patience, gentleness, and generosity amongst many other virtues are what we aim for and I thank you deeply for helping me along this way. Continue to strive for wondrous heights in all your endeavours and I look forward to hearing about your accomplishments along the way. Drop in to 202 when you’re not busy studying for the latest exam. You will always have a home there.

Never forget that music is always a part of every one of you. It is so important to us in so many different ways. Remember the rush of excitement before a performance and the exhilaration and feeling of accomplishment after one. Remember the trips and hanging out in the music room during lunch period [I’m still waiting for someone to clean my microwave, by the way. :)] Remember that I will always be there for you if you need me for anything.

Remember, always.
Mr T