.gif)
Some people may be wondering why I have had nothing more to say regarding the controversy created by the Chicken Little article. Perhaps my silence is being viewed as some kind of statement, or a reflection on how I feel about the subject. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
What my silence indicates is simply this: my 10 year old son from California is here for his Spring Break, and I am going to spend every minute I can with him. As always, it’s all about priorities, and mine are with family. I’ll be back and writing soon, although I don’t know that Chicken Little will be at the top of my list of topics. I guess we will have to wait and see. Until then…
The negative comments aren’t worth the time it would take to respond!!! Congratulations on the BEST trumpet site on the Web!!!
Roy Griffin
US Marine Band (Ret)
Hello,
Just wanted to say that I really enjoy reading your blog. It’s realistic, witty, and helpful.
Mary
Craig,
The people who responded in a negative or insulting tone just didn’t get it – the point sailed well over their collective heads. I suspect that the people who were going to get the most out of that story heard your message, loud and clear. Try as you might, you just can’t help everybody.
If any of the subjects of your Chicken Little story were among the group of hecklers, all that I can say to them is “good luck, you’re going to need it.”
This “internet thing” is definitely a double-edged sword. It is a great tool for research, and also for reaching a huge audience to disseminate knowledge and experience. However, it also tends to bring every hothead or whack job out of the woodwork to take their (anonymous) potshots – guess it makes them feel better about themselves, for reasons that I don’t understand.
Keep up the good work – you are providing a very valuable service to the musical community.
J
Jim,
Thanks for the comments; they mean a lot, especially coming from you. I love your observations about the internet, and I think it is right on target. It has been very obvious that some people can’t be reached regardless of what you try. Don’t worry, though, I am not going to let that influence my work in any way. Too many people have expressed how much they are enjoying the site for me to let a few hotheads get in the way. As with many things in this business, sometimes you just have to let things go.
Thanks for taking the time to write in. As always, your comments are clear and thought provoking. I would welcome any comments or posts you would like to make on this blog anytime. I hope we get a chance to talk sometime soon. All the best.
Craig
I was baffled when I read there were negative comments about Chicken Little. I had to think twice as to what the article said that could have inspired that kind of rhetoric. I’m a seasoned player here in Chicago and have had the priviledge of hearing you play in this town. I’m sorry you chose to move on, but I was grateful to get a chance to listen to you perform. I was especially excited to stumble across your articles which tended to punctuate my conception of you. Before I go on, we’ve never officially met, nor am “buttering” you up for any personal gain.
I felt encouraged by your article. I’m discoversing new things about my playing and the way I perceive music all the time. I’m not a quiet reserved person, but I tend to be a little behind the curve when it comes to musical awareness. I’m not dull, or dim witted (though you should always be skeptical about someone that makes that claim) but it’s taken my mind a while to clarify the things I listen to. The comments from Jake and Cichowicz have begun to take root. I’m definitely a fall bloomer, but I don’t feel I’m unsuccessful because I wasn’t there at 21. I’m just grateful that I came to know quality at all. I don’t remember seeing a schedule outlining success when I began the trumpet. I’ve never let the opinions of others limit my pursuits, so why should I let their expectations do the same.
Thank you for your thought provoking articles. Please continue to write for those that can hear.
Bruce Daugherty, Millar Brass Ensemble
Hi Craig,
I enjoy your website and always feel inspired to get to my horn after reading it.
I am a 58-year-old woman who just took up the trumpet about a year and a half ago. I would love to become a wonderful trumpet player, but at my age see a spectacular career as unrealistic. Nonetheless, I enjoyed your Chicken Little article. It helped me to set some realistic sights. Sure, I would love to perform even with a small group some day. But I would be content to even reach a level where I could regularly play in church (which I am starting to do).
Even though I am just a beginner, it is exciting and encouraging hearing what all you pros have to say. Thanks so much for the website. Lana