It looks that March 6 is the date to fly to Caracas. I have had two wonderful parties given for me that have given me much joy and a real blessing. Thank you to my students at LMHS for the wonderful surprise on Friday, February 5th. I was moved by your kindness and it was such a pleasure to be with you not in an official capacity, just to hang. I would try to respond to all of your kind words on the card but just know I have read them many times and find myself realizing I have the best job and students in the world. With Aaron Datsko and Jessica Bowman holding down instrumental music groups I have no worries you are in excellent hands.

For my second party just last night, what a great time of fellowship, food, singinging and prayer. Thank you Frank and Janice for that beautiful send off. The food was great and the company was rich. Popeng and I could not have had a better time with so many of our most dear friends.

Rachel said after the party, "Dad, you have to go to Venezuela now, there's no turning back!" Okay then, it Venezuela or bust!

Haste luego!

Thank you for your support

Most all of you are aware that I have developed a profound attraction and respect to the remarkable phenomena called El Sistema. If you have not seen a short CBS 6O Minute piece on El Sistema, I recommend you watch it. It will explain this appreciation I have for this phenomena.

http://www.tv.com/video/mYH6CO_WT7L1GWQnmeNWKu8VhIMNcZtE/101/22529/el-sistema?o=cbs

Last spring my former student and author of the Maestro the Lion children's book series, Liz Sher sent me a documentary called Tocar y Luchar about El Sistema. I was so taken by it that I new I had to see it first hand. I also knew that my Lower Merion High School students realized I was hooked. I showed every student in all orchestra and band classes (even study halls) this documentary, often more than once. If you know me I probably have tried to encourage you to see this wonderful work.


Tocar y Luchar has brought me to this point. I am presently on sabbatical from my teaching position at Lower Merion High School and preparing for a journey of a life time to Venezuela. There are so many I need to thank for support and encouragement afforded to me. First is my wife who has loved me and is the wind beneath my wings. Thank you to my Tenth Presbyterian Church family, Lower Merion School District, Maestro's Friends Board, and my wonderful students.

I will keep you posted on my preparations and very soon my travels and experiences.

HASTA LUEGO!