One for the Mother
In today’s post I wanted to take a moment and talk about the importance of thanking those that have helped you in your musical journey. Just about everyone has someone who has deposited knowledge, encouraged them to study or sacrificed something to allow them to pursue their dream.
Thanking them fosters a spirit of gratitude that uplifts not only those you thank; but you as well. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I play/practice/perform better when it’s not all about me. I want others to know they’ve had an integral part in my journey. Bottom line: people need to know that they helped.
I’ve had a number of people that have impacted my musical journey. I could write a lengthy post on each one. People like Craig Swartz, Andy Classen, Roxanne Classen, Susie Miget, Al Hood, Lynn Baker, Eric Gunnison, Greg Gisbert, Brad Goode and Ron Miles all have had direct impact on my trumpet and jazz playing. My brother, Mike Klobnak, introduced me to the trumpet and jazz. My wife, mom and dad (Sarah Klobnak, Wes Klobnak and Patty Gilreath) were always and continue to be supportive. There are others that have made an impact too.
Out of all of these, though, my mom was the one who encouraged and pushed me the most. Even when we couldn’t afford it, she would sacrifice her time and money to make sure I had the opportunity to study. She worked the night shift during my formative years…yet she would always make sure I had a ride to a trumpet lesson or would wake up early to go to a concert or gig. Even when I moved out of state, she would make her way out to as many concerts and gigs as she could (most recently she took vacation time to come see me play a gig I had on my birthday). She purchased an entire box of CD’s of a college big band recording project so I could get funding for a European trip. I’m sure she’ll probably do something similar for my current project I’m about to record 🙂 Thanks for all you’ve done and continue to do mom!
If you’ve had someone like I’ve mentioned above-take some time out this week to give them a call or write a note and say thank you. If you haven’t…find someone you can encourage to reach their full potential!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ojWCDXYG4o]
