A Letter to Mesa Music Students

Mesa Music Kids,

“One more time”, a lie I’ve often told you all. But this time I mean it!

Every year, a group of students say goodbye to this place. In fact, every student to walk through these doors has made their unforgettable memories, their ever-lasting friendships, and their inevitable exit. We make three years of music, and off you go onto bigger things - in music, academics, sports, dance, martial arts, theater, but above all, self-discovery. Maybe you’ve not considered the adults that guide you through, but it’s both joyous and difficult for us, too. As proud as we are, we know your journey is in its early stages, and you must continue to learn your voice, speak your mind, and spread your wings. We accept the rhythmic departures, year over year, and grow to love it, though we miss you still.

Every student is an individual. Yes, you are band and orchestra - a true case of the whole of the group being larger than the sum of its parts. But you are first and foremost your own individual. Please know that you are appreciated, valued, even loved for who exactly you are. Together we push to bring out that best version of yourself, and we do so through music - no better vehicle for that, in my opinion. But what remains for this adult who came to see you every school day for the last 4 months, 16 months, or 28 months, is that I’ve appreciated who you are right now, in this moment.

In this next phase, I ask you to honor the commitment you think you made to me, but you really made to yourself. For the good of the individual (that’s you), for the good of the group, and for the love of the moments you have shared in class, at concerts, and everything in between. Bring your best self to class every day, even when it’s difficult. Even when someone else makes it difficult. Remember that a good day turns into a good week. Good weeks turn into months, and before you know it, something that was hard comes as second nature. It’s not just the scale, exercise, or piece of music that sounds good - it’s your heart in harmony with the work you put in.

I hope that if you don’t already, you’ll come to understand why I need to leave a place I love so much, full of kids who are the heartbeat of the entire school. As it turns out, even adults are never done growing. Part of me wants to do this forever, but another part of me is itching to learn something new, and I’d regret not doing so at some point. I’m happy it took me two years to get there, otherwise I might not have known most of you. You’re a special group of students, not just among those in the school, but among all of the thousand-plus that have played music here. Every one of you is unforgettable in their own way, your best characteristics always on display.

Thank you, Mesa kids. You’re brilliant young people, growing up in a wonderful community, taking part in the best form of art. You’re planted in fertile ground, as a part of this place. Your potential for growth is unlimited. You’ve already inspired each other, other kids, teachers, other adults, your parents I’m certain, most certainly me. Thank you for being you.

One more time at your concerts this month. Then one more, and another, and another after that.

With love and music,

Mr. Gray