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It's unfortunate that I am able to use tragic loss to mark the passage of time, but it's pretty amazing that it's been two years. My High School General Music class right now is looking at music in the context of memorials, condolences, and commemorations. To bring in the recording of Threnody to play for the class, along with the whole context of the bus crash would be a good example that I think the kids could relate to, but I don't know if I'll be able to handle it. It's pretty incredible how fast emotions can come flooding back.

I think the comfort and power of music to bring people together during times of mourning is very powerful. The image that's been in my head this morning was during Branden's memorial service in Gantner, sitting with all of his friends in the band, and remembering the specific moment when they pulled the curtain back and we started to play Holst's First Suite...I'm surprised I made it through the whole thing.

I keep a picture of Branden on my desk at school. Whenever things aren't going well, or I'm having a rough time, it reminds me why I do what I do. Happy Birthday, friend.