LCCB

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
- Victor Hugo

I believe that quote with all my being.

I'm not going to talk long, because I've been on the road for a week with band, and I'm really tired. But I wanted to get a few things out before they fade. This was my last tour with the Luther College Concert Band, a tour that took us throughout the Great Lakes states. And it was good.

In my senior talk, I said something about how playing music together is the most beautiful thing people could do together. And if you have the privilege of making music with friends, well then, I don't even know what to say. It's an honor beyond words. And that's how I feel. Honored beyond words to have the opportunity to play bass trombone with such a beautiful ensemble, with a wise conductor, and in the midst of a truly awe inspiring tradition. And that is humbling. I look back to 3 years ago, when I was toiling in Varsity Band. Can't take anything for granted. You really can't.

I'm so proud of my section. We get along with each other and we play well with each other. As was said last night, as the 7 of us sat around a table of a Greek restaurant in Chicago, we're a family. And that's cool. That's really cool.

I'm so tired, I need to go to sleep. But I am so thankful for so many things. For music. For community. For opportunity. For Mr. Nyline. For the bass trombone. For homestay stories. For our section. For the chance to do something that transcends words. For good, good friends. For best friends.

Take a look at that quote again. I know I am.