The Summerglen Files

Greetings, and happy new year!

January is one of my favorite times of the year. For one thing, I totally dig chilly weather, and January is one of the only times it gets cold here in North Carolina. But even more than the nip in the air, I love the quiet, reflective vibe that permeates the days this time of year. For someone who sends music out into the world for a living, this time of year gives me a chance to quiet down, pull all my energy back inward, and put some new ideas in the pot to simmer.

2009 was a year full of firsts for me: I wrote my first book, went on my first book tour, ran my first full year of creativity workshops, started my first after-school band, and teched my first marching band. It was a wild, exciting ride, because every day brought unexpected scenarios, new lessons, and fresh understanding. But at the same time, all these firsts were very exhausting. After all, when you’re blazing new trails, you’ve got to be at least a little bit outside of your comfort zone. I’d say I spent 90% of last year outside my comfort zone. Waaaaay outside–and it took its toll on my body and mind.

So, my sole resolution in 2010 is to rest in my comfort zone. I’m going to sit and practice all day, and teach trombone, and read about trombones, and listen to my favorite recordings, and hang out with my family, and generally enjoy myself. I know from experience that this resolution is going to be really, really hard to keep. But I have a feeling that some of my best work yet may come from this year of chilling out. Because really, my best songs seem to get written when I’m putzing around, doing nothing!