Music

Something I should have said earlier is that I LOVE music, playing and listening. During school, from 5th grade to my first year at university, I played the clarinet (and attempted tenor sax and flute). The friendships and travel during those years are invaluable, stories to which we often refer with my friends. There is no way to replicate the experience of six busloads of (mostly) talented, albeit hormonal, teenagers who were driven to work hard to become national marching band champions. Or the midnight mud fight and dance that followed at music camp in 1983. Or the six years of county honor band where I learned much of the wind ensemble repertoire. Some of my favorite memories are of being on stage or the field, playing with others and getting goosebumps from the amazement that comes from doing something that moves people.

Anytime people walk into my office, they will hear music--guaranteed. What they will hear, though, greatly varies: Tool, Christina Aguilera, Miguel Bose, Joe Jackson, Gaslight Anthem, Snow Patrol, Deadmau5, Suzanne Vega, Pat Benetar, Elvis Crespo, The Police, Sleigh Bells, The Fugees, School of Seven Bells, Patsy Cline, Ozomatli, The Bird and the Bee, Juanes...endless variety. My only no-nos are modern country and most rap. I have been known to enjoy a tune or two from Eminem or Lady Antebellum, but they are the rare exception. New Age will not invade my space, nor will overly-produced crap with treacly, inane lyrics. Yes, I am a judgmental chowderhead when it comes to music--that will NOT change. I always get the free iTunes cards at Starbucks, as it's a great way to explore tunes I normally would not hear.

I am also a huge Beethoven fan, whether it's his symphonies, string quartets, violin sonatas or piano concerti. When I leave this plane, I want the second movement from the 7th symphony played at my memorial. If I could be paid to listen to and write about Beethoven, I would have one of my career wishes fulfilled.

I do not know where I would be without music.