Thankful

As we move into the season of Thanksgiving, take a moment to consider all there is for which we can be thankful. I know there is a lot for me to be thankful.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my wife. I am married to a beautiful woman who cares for me deeply. She supports me. She encourages me. Most importantly, she believes in me.

I am also thankful for my daughters. They are amazing young women who have already accomplished so much. They make me proud everyday and I am amazed by the mature choices they make.

2016 brought about a lot of change in my life. I stepped out of the classroom to focus on composing, writing, and publishing. However, I now have the opportunity to conduct a local youth orchestra. I am thankful for the students I get to work with each week. I am thankful for the opportunity to take them on a journey as they discover the music of Tchaikovsky, Handel, Beethoven, Dvorak, and many more of my favorite composers.

I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with the professional musicians who volunteer their time to perform with the Mid-Atlantic Wind Symphony. Words can’t begin to express the gratitude I have when they allow me the opportunity to take the podium for each performance. They are amazing and my stick has never sounded so good!

2017 has introduced me to the works of wonderful composers with the relationships I have developed through Aamano Music. I am grateful to be working with such talented musicians who thrive on composing for wind band. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to see their work, I highly encourage you to do so. I am humbled by the music they produce and they inspire me to work harder in my own compositions and as a publisher!

When it comes to WindConductor.com, I am most thankful for you, the band director who takes the time to read these articles. I hope you find them to be useful in your classroom, entertaining for a weekend read, or inspiring and encouraging as you lead your students on their musical journey. You have the amazing opportunity every class to work with the best kids in your school (because everyone knows the band kids are the best!), and I am thankful that WC can be a part of that journey.

This Thanksgiving, take a moment to count your blessings. As the old hymn says, “Name them one by one…” I think you may be amazed at how truly blessed we are!

Thank you,

Aaron Noe Wind Conductor

What are you thankful for? Share your thoughts below!