Now and then one gets to sign an important document. A wedding license, child's birth certificate, contract to purchase a home and other such milestone documents come to mind as more than just simply a piece of paper. They represent a change, a new direction, a contract, a covenant.
I have recently signed such a document, shown above, whereby I have accepted a period of sabbatical leave from the Boston Symphony Orchestra from January - June 2009.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra generously grants a sabbatical to two players each year. Usually awarded on the basis of seniority, I applied for sabbatical leave and was pleased that it was offered to me. A sabbatical is something I have long thought about. It is a period when a Boston Symphony player can do anything except perform as a member of another orchestra on his primary instrument. It is designed to provide a period of both refreshment and professional development so when the player returns to the BSO, he brings even more insight to his playing and therefore adds more as a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra community.
I plan to use my sabbatical to accomplish several goals. I am planning trips to England to undertake activities relating to trombone teaching and performance, brass band conducting and performance and serpent education and performance. I look forward to a period of refreshment, and some trips with my wife to the great national parks of the American west (where my wife and I have enjoyed many hiking vacations over the years). I am planning to record a new CD of trombone duets with my former Boston Symphony Orchestra colleague, Norman Bolter, and will record and produce an instructional DVD about the serpent. Other events that have been scheduled include being guest conductor and clinician at the 2009 Northwest International Brass Band Festival (Bellevue, Washington), masterclasses and performances at Central Connecticut University, University of Texas (Austin) and Lee University (Tennessee), a brass and choral festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a performance (on ophicleide) of a new work for Berlioz Historical Brass by Clifford Bevan (New York City), performances (on serpent) with Boston's Handel and Haydn Society, performances on ophicleide with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra (San Francisco) and a guest conducting and soloist appearance with the Weston Silver Band (Toronto). I also plan to continue research on a book I am writing on American sculptor Daniel Chester French and will also set aside periods for times of personal reflection. It is a rare opportunity and one I very much am looking forward to.
When my sabbatical concludes, I will be 54 years old, beginning my 25th season with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I am keenly aware that one does not get many 25 year periods in a lifetime. That is a long time to do anything. I am also aware that life on this earth is short. I pray that God will grant me a sabbatical that will honor Him, honor the BSO, and provide me with a jumping off point as I return to the orchestra to complete whatever years I have remaining as a BSO member before I move to the next chapter of my life.
As you read this you may have some questions:
Forward, one day at a time, as God leads.
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