Last week I was at steel drum camp. It is held every year in Denver and features players and instructors from all over the country. It was my first year at this event. I really didn't know what to expect. What I got was something I will always remember. It was a chance for me to play steel drums all day long, no distractions, no errands, no outside pressures. It was steel drums from 9-5pm. It was great. We learned five new songs and played them all at a final concert. I learned songs by rote and traditional sight reading. It really depended on the instructor. I met people from all over. I bounced my idea of a steel pan association and conference and it was very well received. I left feeling more confident as a steel pan musician.
The whole week got me to thinking. What if you could spend a lifetime just doing what you want? How happy would you be? For me, I would be very happy. It was a wonderful feeling - one that you don't want to lose. The worse part came when the week was over and you had to return to your "normal" life. It took a few days to get over that withdrawal feeling. I am determined more than ever to get back to that feeling somehow.
If I had a wish for anyone, it is to do what you love as much as you can.
