Dean’s Column
February 2020

Recently, friends of ours invited us to a small gathering in the western suburbs to meet the daughter of the late Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia. She and her family had just moved to Chicago and were anxious to make some new friends. It was amazing to notice how down to earth this family was having come from the hubris of Washington DC.

This grace and humility actually comes across clearly in her father’s book, Scalia Speaks: Reflections on Law, Faith, and Life Well Lived.

What intrigued me most was the forward. It was written by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who reportedly is now in her final stage of life. She praised him, as he did her. They disagreed on most matters, but were great friends. As one observer noted, they apparently decided not just to “agree to disagree,” but “to disagree and still care for each other.”

We as musicians come from all walks of life and therefore hold different world views – many disparate. Tastes in music and instruments vary as much as our taste in food. Yet, as members of this chapter, we can follow Scalia and Ginsburg’s example, “disagree and still care for each other.” Perhaps in your case this means offering to pick someone up for a musical event, noticing when someone is going through a challenging time, or just giving a warm smile as you pass someone in the pew.

These are the things that make our chapter welcoming and a place where we can truly belong. I’m sure we can all appreciate that.

Warmly,
Judy Kohl, Dean

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