As usual in November, my thoughts turn toward gratitude. I have been richly blessed in many ways, but music has been a particularly large blessing in my life. As a child, organ lessons brought me closer to my mother, and I learned the importance of perseverance and practice.
As a teen, being in band and choir gave me wonderful friends and lots of opportunities to learn and grow. In college, music was both a course of study and an outlet for fun. In the years since, music has been a solace in difficult times, an unexpected source of income, a way to serve others, and a continuing bond for my husband and me. I have come to know many wonderful people singing together in choirs. I have made many friends, especially here in DVMTA—friends who understand my frustrations and my joys. I have no idea how many students have come through my studio over the years, but they have also taught me innumerable lessons.
As we head into the busyness of the holiday music season, may we each take a moment to ponder the blessings in our lives. What are you grateful for? What has music done for you? Is there someone to whom you should express gratitude? About ten years ago, I was able to reconnect with my high school choir teacher in Virginia (let’s hear it for modern technology!).
He saw talent in me that I was too shy to recognize at the time, and his encouragement basically altered the course of my life. I was planning on getting an MBA but instead decided to study music. That one decision led not only to meeting my husband, but to a lifetime of making music in a variety of ways. I was able to tell him how much I appreciated not only the amazing choral music he taught us, but how his encouragement made a profound difference in my life. I will always be grateful for him and for other musical mentors. Some of those mentors I found here in DVMTA and their influence is still felt in my studio.
I’m grateful for each of you and for your contribution to making DVMTA the blessing it is to me. I’m grateful for each board member and for all who help make our events a success. It takes many hands, and I’m grateful you are willing to share your time and talents. I hope you each have a wonderful holiday season, filled with friends, family, and of course, music.
With great love,
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full November 2024 Newsletter
As a teen, being in band and choir gave me wonderful friends and lots of opportunities to learn and grow. In college, music was both a course of study and an outlet for fun. In the years since, music has been a solace in difficult times, an unexpected source of income, a way to serve others, and a continuing bond for my husband and me. I have come to know many wonderful people singing together in choirs. I have made many friends, especially here in DVMTA—friends who understand my frustrations and my joys. I have no idea how many students have come through my studio over the years, but they have also taught me innumerable lessons.
As we head into the busyness of the holiday music season, may we each take a moment to ponder the blessings in our lives. What are you grateful for? What has music done for you? Is there someone to whom you should express gratitude? About ten years ago, I was able to reconnect with my high school choir teacher in Virginia (let’s hear it for modern technology!).
He saw talent in me that I was too shy to recognize at the time, and his encouragement basically altered the course of my life. I was planning on getting an MBA but instead decided to study music. That one decision led not only to meeting my husband, but to a lifetime of making music in a variety of ways. I was able to tell him how much I appreciated not only the amazing choral music he taught us, but how his encouragement made a profound difference in my life. I will always be grateful for him and for other musical mentors. Some of those mentors I found here in DVMTA and their influence is still felt in my studio.
I’m grateful for each of you and for your contribution to making DVMTA the blessing it is to me. I’m grateful for each board member and for all who help make our events a success. It takes many hands, and I’m grateful you are willing to share your time and talents. I hope you each have a wonderful holiday season, filled with friends, family, and of course, music.
With great love,
Lorri McHardy
DVMTA President
Read the full November 2024 Newsletter
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