From Verdi to Taps to Soovin

Music has an amazing influence on my life. I listen and play because I love it. Attending concerts always stirs up emotions. The VSO's performance on Saturday night of Verdi's Requiem brought together many from sadness to elation. Who wouldn't feel something when sitting so close to the offstage trumpets that you can see them wink at you.

Yesterday I had the honor of being at my uncle's burial at the Vermont Veteran's Cemetery in Randolph Center. The setting was beyond beautiful, the pageantry perfect (watching the movements of the soldiers brought tears to my eyes), but for me the most beautiful part was when the musician put the bugle to his lips and played Taps with the birds adding their own melodies in the background. Amazing how one small song can add peace to your entire day.

Events of the week past

I had a blast in the pit for Lyric Theatre's production of La Cage aux Folles the week of April 12th. I really enjoy working with musicians who have good humor and can follow a conductor! It was also nice to have such great interactions with the cast and crew - they really made us feel at home.

On a sad note, just before the Sunday performance I learned that Steve Waltien passed way. I have such fond memories of Steve from my days at the YMCA and at the Stern Center. Steve took the time to make everyone feel special and I appreciated that very much. Steve, thank you for your kindness and your sense of humor.

It is a challenge to be playing such a humorous show and be so sad, but Steve, I dedicated the show to you.

Teasing a Coworker at 30,000'

This weekend my pilot friend Michael spent a few hours with us during a layover in Burlington. It was a great treat and I charished the few hours we got to spent together having a meal, decorating eggs, working on the Raingutter boat, and playing games. We said our good-byes and on the next morning I get a text from him, "It seems that we are flying a large group of children from some wind ensemble. I figured you would know who it was. Any ideas?"

I responded, "Shelburne. I think my coworker (insert name here) is on your flight. Please say her name over the intercom (if you are allowed to) if she is..."

Michael: "I don't think she likes you right now, I asked if she was on the flight and when she heard her name she looked very concerned:). I said hello and she says hi back."

Anyway, thanks for the laugh, Michael.

Irish Cheese

Last evening my husband and I went to a wonderful paring of Irish Cheese and beverages by Vermont Institute for Artisian Cheese. There were five lovely cheeses including a cheddar, a port, and a blue that were all very tasty. We were excited to learn that the blue can be purchased in Vermont.

In addition to wonderful cheese we enjoyed meeting the Kehoes of SB, Bill who is/was a member of the YMCA, Cpt. Phillips and his wife, and seeing our friends Deborah and Lou.

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Good-Bye Uncle Tom

My Uncle Tom Crosby passed away tonight around 7:15. I'm really glad I got to sit with him last night and hold his hand. Even though I was not particularly close to him, my mom, brother and I were his only family. It is really hard to watch a person take breaths which in your gut you know are numbered. I wanted to tell him to let go, but I didn't have the courage to yell loud enough for him to hear while he laid there in the shared room of the nursing home. Uncle Tom, sleep well.

Yeah, productivity!

Wow, two meeting back-to-back and it is only 10 a.m. My desk is tidier than it has been for months and progress has been made on the Poser, OGA, and evaluation team promotional materials. I'm looking forward to the rest of the day being as productive.

Memories of Musicians

Earlier this month, at a reception following the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival, I was standing talking to a music colleague about our escapades playing for Lyric Theatre. He was commenting on how now we, at age 40, are the old guys. How true. As it is always exciting to have fresh faces, I'd like to take this time to say good bye to Jack Phipps, trumpeter. Thanks for playing with me.

Hats Off to From the Top Musicians

I've always found it fun to go to a performance that is being taped for later broadcast on the radio. Last night's performance was fantastic. The show included 11-year old cellist Leland Ko (and tennis player), JeeHae Ahn, pianist from Soel, Nadine Sierra, soprano (the most amazing I've heard in person), and Shelburne's Nicholas Bonaccio, percussionist who performed with the VYO. For me, as a bassoonist, the most fun part of the program was Tim Woos' bassoon quartet. It is always fun to hear a bassoon quartet and really cool to hear a quartet composed by a bassoonist. It was obvious to me that he really understands the instrument and composing.

After the show is all about bumping into people you haven't seen in ages. It was nice to reconnect with Julia M. who I've know from the YMCA forever - and her daughter who is, gulp, a senior and getting ready to go off to college. Then we headed to 156 with friends Deborah (Publisher of the Edible Green Mountains and Stern Center Board Member) and her husband Lou (infectious desease doctor at FAHC). The company was delightful and I was very impressed with our server at 156, she really knew how to answer our questions.

Michael, thanks for a great night out.

Learning new things

I'm so excited to be employed by the Stern Center for Language and Learning. Each day opportuntities present themselves that encourage me to learn more or try new things. For example a week or two ago I created a Twitter account. I still haven't figure out how to find my husband so I can follow him, but I did find my friend John Canning, who writes the most amusing things. Also, I am proud to have one follower, Rachael Carter, thank you - I'm always open to useful tips - please send them my way.

My son, Rory, is pictured here the photo was taken by my husband. (I was just practicing uploading a photo.)