Dear Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

Cousin Tom was kind enough to send me a CD of your recital.

Although it was over thirty years ago, I recall the trombone recital for my degree. The stress of preparing to make the grade,
and the occasional pleasure that one might have achieved
just a passage or two of a grand work.

My recital included an avante garde piece
where prayers were muttered
that the pianist and I would arrive at the end
at the same time.

Fortunately, we did.

Do not confuse your feeling of accomplishment
for a job well done
with shameful self-aggrandizement.

Being humble,
working
and agreeing
is a goal.

This does not preclude achievement,
excelling in work
because one has applied oneself to the task at hand.

There’s a best seller on the list of the NY Times that states
one can merely imagine gifts and graces
by applying the power of the mind and of faith
and it will be done.

We understand belief.

Belief isn’t enough to produce the Schumann piece.

I didn’t just glaze over your work.
I heard some here at home.
Then I heard the whole thing.

I have occasion to take an hour’s drive to a lodge meeting in Estancia and on the return trip I was able to appreciate your entire recital while driving through a darkened southwestern sky.

Be proud of your performance.
Your technical prowess is clear
and the emotional depth is gratifying and exciting.

So, my young friend,
this may be the sum of our communication,
and there is nothing wrong with that.

The recording is playing at the same moment that I am sending this message to you.