The semester comes to a close today, celebrating the Class of 2024 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In all my years participating in commencements, they seemed to function like a holiday for my internal calendar. Commencement always represented the beginning of summer, the moment when my internal timer and to-do list could finally be put on pause. For many, summer break is a great time to unwind, refocus, and reenergize.
I always intend to do just that. My wife and I are both educators, providing the summer to decompress, reconnect, and spend time with family. As a kid, I grew up spending every summer camping with my family - parents & brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sometimes, there were as many as twenty of us for family vacations. For me, it was an activity that emphasizing the importance of family. I remember the excitement and anticipation to pack up the RV and set out for a new adventure. Call it silly, but it was like Christmas Eve for me. My brother and I couldn’t wait to hit the road! Those camping experiences and memories were something I always wanted for my own family. Fast forward to the pandemic of 2020, we took the plunge to purchase our first RV, creating our own family memories.
Needless to say, my wife and I were nervous about making such a large purchase during an unsettling time in the world. We made the most of the isolation and health requirements of the time. This was an alternative to make the most of our summer, to hit the road for five weeks and spend time together. It would be one of the most memorable summers to date. The kids were all-in, excited for bunk beds, new experiences, and traveling across the U.S.. The RV certainly made it more comfortable for returns to Ohio and Michigan, visiting our extended families. Since that summer, we return to the Midwest each year, exploring National and State Parks, creating memories, and spending time with family. Each year, Commencement meant the start of camping season and family time.
As the years have gone by, and the kids get a little older, the "goodbyes" don't get any easier. Long summer breaks go by too quickly, and a new school year seems to always be right around the corner. It has been sixteen years of goodbyes for every holiday and academic break. This year, a big change was in store for us. This commencement would mean more than any other before.
Today marks the end of my time at UNC Charlotte, after six wonderful years of growth, opportunity, and embraced challenges. I fondly remember the phone call that offered me the chance to come to Charlotte. The next six years would be transformative. I worked with amazing colleagues, performed with wonderful artists throughout the region, produced my first album, won two orchestra positions, and created a growing community-focused ensemble, Charlotte Trombone Collective. All of these experiences helped me grow as a teacher, musician, and colleague. The list could go on. My family bought two homes, our family grew, and we made great friends and memories along the way. UNC Charlotte was a catalyst for so many wonderful things. But more was in store, and I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
This summer, we will venture back to Ohio to stay, as I move into a new teaching position at Bowling Green State University for 2024-2025. BGSU holds a particularly special place for me and my family. It's where my wife and I met almost twenty years ago. I am humbled to be following in the footsteps of many wonderful trombone teachers that have served BGSU, including my mentor and teacher, Bill Mathis, who now serves as BGSU's Dean of the College of Musical Arts. It goes without saying, the opportunity to return to my alma mater is significant in so many ways.
While its a blessing to be near our families, my wife and I are looking forward to this next step in our careers. We cannot wait to return to Ohio and take roots for our exciting future. I'm alaready cooking up some plans for next year, so stay tuned for all things trombone at BGSU in the very near future!