We’re back into the swing of the teaching year once again in Brandon. Things are growing back to size in the Suzuki Guitar scheme of things, both in terms of numbers and playing level. As is always the case, a core group of accomplished players have finished their studies with me and moved on to the next stage of their lives – I bid a fond farewell and the most sincere of thank-you’s to those students, wish them the best in their future endeavours, and welcome a new contingent (a fairly sizeable one this year) of eager beginners. Onward, upward!
Things are going along nicely on the gig front – made my debut at a local brewpub, the Black Wheat Brewery, last weekend. My two sets were very warmly-received, and I enjoyed myself immensely – many thanks to all of you who dropped by for it. Plans are in the works for a couple more appearances before the end of the year – more to follow….
My Artists in Healthcare commitments have been enhanced, as well. In August, the Waiting Personal Care Placement Ward at the Brandon Regional Health Centre inquired as to whether I could come by there and play sometime – “Dunno”, I said; “Let me talk to the boss at the Provincial Office in Winnipeg…” – happily, aforementioned boss was able to find a bit of extra money, so I now put in a pair of 2-hour shifts there every week, instead of one 3-hour set. It’s nice to be so appreciated for the art that you make, especially in so meaningful a situation as this.
Not the best of news to finish with: this summer, there came a reminder that the group of teachers who started their Suzuki Guitar journey at about the same time as I started mine is getting on, and their ranks are starting to thin – In July, we bid a sad farewell to Seth Himmelhoch – read more about his superlative work and untimely passing on the In Memorium page.
That’s all for now, friends – be kind to one another, don’t forget to continue being your awesome selves, and keep reaching for the stars…
Paul