Dear Brandon

You've taught me a lot about being a musician. You have high yet realistic expectations and I appreciate your expertise. You've given me opportunities I never would have had otherwise: Learning steel Drums, playing at Disneyland, visiting Bermuda, discovering the excitement of playing all different percussion instruments, and the joy of making fun of one of the world's most fun directors. (Ahem - that's you.)

I really miss being in band, and I miss going on tours with you and your family. One day soon I hope to be able to join the wind symphony again...maybe next year when Kayla is older. I look forward to learning more Holsinger pieces, playing some more Jack Stamp numbers and perhaps performing in a Soundtrack Concert. (I can do without the Sousa, though...really.)

My eyes have been opened to a whole new world of music since performing in a group under your direction, and I've had more fun being in your band than in any other group in my life. I've also been a part of your group for longer than any other; I was in bell choir, band and choir in high school for three years, and band in elementary school for 4, but I was a part of yours for eight. And I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Thanks for being patient with me, for befriending me, for letting me explore different percussion instruments, and for giving me the opportunity to expand my musical horizons. Thanks for taking me to new places - Tennessee, Florida, Orcas Island, Bermuda - and for giving me the chance to perform at Disneyland. (So awesome!)

Thanks, too, for being a good friend. It's still weird sometimes to call you Brandon and not Mr. Beck, but I'm adjusting. :) I'm glad I know you, and I look forward to performing in your wind symphony again soon.

The One Who Was Two When You Graduated from College,
Becky