Dearest musicians of MSW past & present,
Whether we have known each other for weeks or years I have loved you. I have loved your courage to be yourselves when it was easier to retreat. I have loved your willingness to rise to a challenge, however great. I have loved enduring your joys and sorrows. And I have loved climbing towards the ever distant summit of musical truth with you.
Your decision to share your musical, emotional selves with each other and me every week is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. It seems that together we have discovered that the more you give, the more joy you shall receive.
And you have given me so many things, but mostly love. Without it we wouldn’t have all grown as musicians together. Without it we wouldn’t have all had the patience to listen to each other. Without it we wouldn’t have all played as one together. Without it we wouldn’t have all felt free to truly express ourselves through the music.
Without your love and encouragement I would never have discovered my love for teaching, and the depths of my passion for music. I will dearly miss you all and our times together. But wherever I am I will always carry with me the inspiration, friendship and love we shared. I hope you will too.
Farwell to you and the youth I have spent with you.
It was but yesterday we met in a dream.
You have sung to me in my aloneness, and I of your longings have built a tower in the sky.
But now our sleep has fled and our dream is over, and it is no longer dawn.
The noontide is upon us and our half waking has turned to a fuller day, and we must part.
If in the twilight of memory we should meet once more, we shall speak again together and you shall sing to me a deeper song.
And if our hands should meet in another dream we shall build another tower in the sky.
Thankyou.
All my love,
Ingrid
Ingrid, what a beautiful letter. It has been an honour to percuss under your direction, as I grew musically and as a person. I'll miss your musicality, and cherish our continuing friendship!
ReplyDeleteIngrid, it's been a pleasure to make music with you over the last 8-9 years. I still remember the first MSW rehearsals in '03 and your first time conducting the band. Your endearing sincerity will surely take you far, and your courage, commitment and brilliance will do the rest. All the best for the future! Hope to run into you in the mid-west some time soon. -- Daniel Duke
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more with Andrea and Dan - it was an absolute pleasure to have played with you at the helm of the band, and I wish you the best no matter where life takes you.
ReplyDeleteNat
Ingrid it's been a special privilege to play in your group, you're a fantastic conductor and a fantastic person. I have enjoyed it immensely! I wish I could find the perfect words, but anyway best of luck for the next chapter of your life, we're all only a facebook away :P
ReplyDeleteJamie