Greetings! (2020 Recap)

Here we are – we made it to 2021. For me, it’s hard to believe 2020 is over, as it both was slow as a slug and flew in ways I can’t explain. I don’t know how 2021 will be different, but I’m glad to be here.

Musically, 2020 was one of my most challenging years yet. Typically I’m making music with people on a regular basis, and that is definitely one of my most favourite things to do. I was taught early the joy of playing with other musicians between playing in piano ensembles and wind ensembles (clarinet and flute) and at church with the band.

So what did I do in 2020?

Well, the year started off swimmingly! I was music directing a show at a local theatre (Camelot Theatre in Talent, OR – A Little Night Music) and though there were some of the usual stressors of theatre, I was really having the time of my life! And I was in talks with a few directors about future shows both at that theatre and a couple of others. Things were happening and I felt like I was doing what I was made to do.

We got to do two weeks of our four week run before the decision was made mid-March to close due to Covid. It was the right choice, and although I was sad I was in full support. It was very difficult to have done our last show without knowing it was our last show, and at the end saying goodbye… do we hug? Can we hug? Now what? So many questions.

What happened with my music the rest of the year?

Mostly I missed it, honestly. And one day I made music with a friend outside.

Otherwise I played a lot of solo piano and worked on some of my own songs, though not nearly as much as I wish I would have. I know to not be hard on myself about it though, and I did get a lot of other things going in my life. (Didn’t everyone buy an excessive amount of pots and flowers?)

I closed the year playing and singing O Holy Night for the church I used to play for in Portland. That was a sweet surprise.

And now 2021…what have we here?

I have hopes and dreams. Mostly revolving around musical theatre. Theatre is a grueling test of character and I could not be more thrilled to be involved.

I also want to do more new things. I want to record (for real) some of my own music. I want to make some YouTube videos. I want to write here! I want to work more on some of my classical pieces in progress and learn all of the musical shows I already have music for. I want to write more of my own music. I want to hone more of my teaching skills.

I want to connect with more musicians (you?) and non musicians (you?) who love music to share and create together. If 2020 taught us anything I think it is the value of connection and that we can do it if we are intentional about it.

So let’s connect! What brought you here? What are you looking for? Let’s chat! I’d love to talk with you. Feel free to fill out the contact form and let’s do this!

I’ll see you again here soon.