The keynote performer/speaker for our convention this year was the insanely talented Ben Folds. I remember him best when he was with Ben Folds 5 so I suppose that dates me a tad. He was funny. He spoke his truth. He attributed his success to one of his former music instructors, and stressed the importance of music at any age. You do not have to go into music as your profession to know how powerful it can be. Music brings people together when the world does not always operate in that capacity.
To further my own education of Rock-N-Roll,(I was classically trained as a student,) I rented a car and drove to Memphis to see where it all began. Sun Records--where Rock-N-Roll music was first recorded in the 1950's; Graceland--Elivs Presley's first home; and Beale Street--where the blues and gospel music flooded the streets in the 1940's and 50's. I walked around Memphis in complete awe of the history Memphis contains. An added bonus for me was being able to see the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel. I paid my respects along with the many other strangers by my side at that particular moment.
I realize now more than ever that I am truly blessed in my life. I am able to teach and experience music every day, and it brings me great joy. I hope that my students may experience "goose-bump" moments themselves during their own musical journeys. "When all words fail still music speaks." ~Hans Christian Andersen