"Music is the hardest kind of art. It doesn't hang up on a wall and wait to be stared at and enjoyed by passersby. It's communication. It's hours and hours being put into a work of art that may only last, in reality, for a few moments...but if done well, and truly appreciated, it lasts in our hearts forever. That's art. Speaking with your heart to the hearts of others." - Mr. Dan Romano
Dear IJ Band, I know all of you are at band camp now, probably very tired and drained, but keep pushing and keep on going!! It's worth it and I know all of you are going to do great and work your magic ;) I'll be sitting at the audience with the rest of the seniors and I'm sure it's going to be a great success.
It's really awesome to see how much you all have grown over the years from timid little sec 1s in junior band performing at recital to seniors leading the juniors in the various challenging pieces. It's been heart warming watching all of you step up and transforming, taking over our place and maturing, putting the band's interests before your own.
I truly believe that all of you are capable of playing exceptionally well but capabilities are nothing if you do not put them to good use. So use whatever time you have left and fight on, practise as much as you can and most importantly, enjoy every single second you spend on that stage. Express your feelings through your performance and walk off the stage proud, with no regrets, knowing you've done your very best.
That's the best farewell gift you can present to us.
Speaking of which...
On behalf of the seniors, we'd like to thank you all for the sweet farewell you've all planned for us today and I think each and every one of us truly appreciates the little gifts and notes of thanks we've received. I know it was all very rushed and last minute and all of you are tired from band camp but you guys still managed to pull it off, so thank you.
Thank you for the music.
Please please please keep on responding and keep the spirit burning ok. There's no band like IJ so treasure and preserve that special X factor we have!!
Looking forward to watching all of you perform next Saturday. Rest well and eat lots of fruits :D
Love, Dawn
