I've come home from a beautiful celebration of the life and legacy of my beloved violin teacher, Sally Thomas. In honouring her memory, I would have struggled to summarize and describe the immeasurable impact of my dear mentor on me, yet the desire from everyone present to express her immeasurable impact, with immense gratitude, was present from all of us in every conversation and speech. The performances, of the second movement of the Schubert two-cello quintet, and of the Bach Ciaccona, embodied it artistically. The friendships, and treasured camaraderie among all at the reception, paid tribute to the love and respect we share for her.
On my way home, I stopped at a park bench to take in the fresh fall-ish air, and listen in quiet reflection to the crickets filling the fields with their music. I was overcome: I really miss her! And suddenly, the foundational words came to me: she was a guiding light, and a guide in life, for all of us.
Our memories of her continue to immeasurably enrich our lives, yet with our loss of her from the physical world, trepidation and realization came to me too: how to keep finding the way now? Am I now part of the most senior generation, the one responsible for guiding? Do I know the way well enough? Can I do a good job? Can I live up to my deep respect for all I've learned?
In the humid air, alive with cricket-symphonies, reminiscent of the wonderous twinkling of the August firefly-filled fields of our artistic summer-study home with Ms. Thomas at the Meadowmount festival, an answer came. It is simple, affirming, and filled with the value and philosophy of dedication, as inspired so often in my studies with Ms. Thomas: I can do my best.
- written with love and deepest thanks to Sally Thomas, and all her musical family, especially Dr. Ann Setzer and Steve Rochen ...
https://www.juilliard.edu/news/169341/sally-thomas-1931-2024-memoriam
