And away we go!

GTCYS has kicked off our 39th season. My favorite memory from the first Symphony rehearsal:

We're sight-reading Wagner's Meistersinger Overture. Violins miss easy entrances. I tell them they must count through rests and nail entrances - no excuses. Violins miss more entrances. I tell the violins I meant what I said before. And that they're capable of doing better. And that they must do better...starting now. Violins look alarmed. We switch to Beethoven's 5th Symphony. Violins, figuring this guy's for real, count rests and nail difficult entrances. I'm happy, and let them know it. Violins look elated! When is a student's smile the warmest? When it's been earned!

A sweet New Year - for Everybody

I write this as the Jewish New Year, Rosh HaShanah, approaches. The concept of a new year in the fall extends well beyond the Jewish world. Labor Day has come and gone, signaling the end of vacation season. Schools are beginning their fall semesters, and organizations like GTCYS gear up for a new year of their own. We all look forward with a sense of hope, perhaps a little nervousness, and hopefully a strong dose of optimism and good cheer. Wherever you are, whatever you undertake in the months ahead, may you experience good health, happiness and fulfillment!