Important Message: Thank You.
Usually when I write reflection posts on my year, I usually talk about the great and not great moments of my career and myself. This time, I will not talk about that, because I do not want anyone to think that all I talk about is me, me, me!! Rather, I will take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me throughout this year as well as making my life better.
First off, I would like to thank the Capital City Brass Band for giving me the opportunity to perform in a high-level ensemble while I am no longer in school. Ensembles like the CCBB do not come by that often. Hopefully one day, a brass band composition may be in the works.
Next I would like to thank Sarah Manasreh and Tia Harvey for “indirectly” motivating me to start exercising at a gym. To make a long story short, the three of us were watching the Rose Bowl game and somehow gyms were brought up. At the time, both of them joined a gym, but I did not. I thought to myself, “My life is stressful. I’m not happy. I want to make some changes.” Since then, I have lost around 30 pounds, have gained some definition and I’m planning to keep this up for a very long time. On top of that, I feel great!
I would like to thank Joel Hoffman and all of the composers/musicians/locals I met at Milna, Croatia. While this was the first time I traveled out of the country, besides Windsor, Canada, it was the first time since my graduate years where inspiration and motivation struck me deeply. All of us had different musical backgrounds and many of us had gone through the struggles that I’m currently going through. There were emotional times, but also plenty of laughs, and musical moments. Some of us STILL keep in touch to this day, but then again, we are a family. By the way, I would love for someone to send me coffee from Europe soon! Perhaps Anđela or Lucija could send me some European coffee...
I would like to thank all of my friends and family for motivating me, supporting me and looking out for me in every way possible. Without you, I would not have made this post. As 2015 comes closer, I will make sure that I continue to improve as a better musician as well as a better human being. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all.
- Michael Goodman