My attitude toward retirement has always been that it’s time to stop doing what I must do and to start doing what I want to do. When I retired (from corporate, IT/customer service) in 2013, I had no idea what I would be doing. I had always assumed it would mean more time for gardening, which is a passion of mine. I knew I wanted to do something with my other passion, music. At my age I had no fantasies of world tours or top-of-the-chart recordings, or anything of that nature. I was just not sure what direction I wanted to go. I started rehearsing with an African-style drum group that did educational and community gigs. They were originally a trio, and the one of the members needed to stop performing for personal reasons. The remaining duo had worked as a duo before, and were actually married. The rehearsals required a lot of learning for me, which I welcomed, since I believe one is never too old to learn.
After several months of weekly rehearsals, we mutually decided to pursue our separate paths. I wanted to get back to writing, possibly record some original material that I had written over the past few decades, and they wanted to continue their work as a duo.
Then my youngest entered high school. I’ve told the story here about how, when we attended the info night, I noticed there was no music in the curriculum. I approached the principal, and he told me there would be volunteer opportunities, and asked for my contact information. The following September, I was offered a paid position (four hours a week) teaching rock band to freshmen. That expanded slightly with the addition of a week-long intensive class (all-music all-day) each semester.
I just got confirmation today that I will be assisting in a morning band class, 2½ hours every day for the next eight weeks. I might or might not get paid for it. It would be nice, but if it can’t be done, at least I’ll have my foot in the door for some paying opportunities down the road.
I love working with music, and I love working with high school students.