Twelve years ago, I began developing and teaching music courses for a robust lifelong learning program featured at a local community college. Although still not a foregone conclusion, at present it appears that program is wheezing toward its end. My time teaching at this college - the entree into an invigorating element of my third act - has been fulfilling from the start.
What I'll miss most as this chapter of my life concludes - isn't this always the case? - are the people. Since 2014, I've had numerous moments of musical communion with many of the folks who have regularly attended my classes at this location. More than once, I've written of these moments here. Beginning my current class - which could be my last at this college - this past Thursday, I was once again rewarded when an astute student pointed out a lyrical subtlety in Don't Stand So Close to Me that had bypassed me despite having listened to that Police song repeatedly for over forty-five years.
Have I had special moments like this at other places while teaching? Of course. However, knowing I may not have future opportunities to musically connect with some of these specific folks - a few have been with me from day one - gives me genuine pause. Label me sentimental; I've been called worse.
Good news to close. I've managed to build a bond with several of these repeat students outside the classroom. A few have joined my book club, several are now regular readers of my blog - one has become a prolific commenter - my wife and I have become close enough to one couple that we travelled with them early this year. The others? My plan is to collect as many e-mails as possible over the final two weeks of my current class in the hope that some of these folks may decide to attend a future course I'm conducting elsewhere. Completely abandoning a group of serious music lovers I've become attached to? No chance.
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