Dean’s Column | May 2022

Apr 28, 2022 | May 2022, Dean's Column

Dear Friends,

Colin Powell stated that, “There are no secrets to success. It’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” The hard work and preparation are a given, but his statement begs an earlier question: What is success?  What are we supposed to be aiming for?  How do we define success as musicians? 

Perhaps that means for us, presenting a well-planned and impressive service played with flawless perfection?  Instead, could success be something less tangible such as bringing the sacred down to earth in a more accessible way? Maybe you’ve had the opportunity to do just this throughout the seasons of Lent, Easter and Passover. Personally, this is one of the things that brings me great joy and satisfaction. Now that those services are in the rearview window, take a deep breath and appreciate all you contributed to make this season meaningful to those who worship with you. 

I hope you are able to attend the wonderful program planned for you on Sunday, May 22nd. Enjoy a Progressive Organ Recital with music played by members of our North Shore AGO chapter at three different churches in Lake Forest. Following the last program, you are invited to join other chapter members and guests for a delicious banquet at the Nite N’ Gale Restaurant in Highwood. You can find more details in this newsletter.

I read something interesting recently… What do Billy Graham and Warren Buffet have in common? According to their memoirs, they share a similar “biggest regret.” What was it?  Their common regret was, “not spending more time with those they love.”  Now that is an example of failure from two successful people we can learn from.

Warmly,

Judy Kohl, Dean

More From This Month…

Dean’s Column | May 2024

Welcome to the Merry Month of May! Of course there are actually a few religions with a very significant allegiance to the Virgin Mary! Obviously this is the season of so many events that include graduations including high schools, colleges and universities, closing...

Dean’s Column | March 2024

Beware the Ides of March! So here is the Month of March this year that is the season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter along with the beginning of the month of Ramadan. For many this is the month of hearing a variety of Requiems as similar to the Advent season with...

Dean’s Column | April 2024

Welcome to April! It is just incredible that it is April now! The six weeks of Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter have now disappeared into History! Lately it has been very interesting in reading the submittals by many musical colleagues worldwide on Facebook to...