Homegrown
About 20 years ago, a good friend, Trevor Keyes, talked about wanting to make Bay City and the surrounding area "cool." I have to admit that a much younger version of myself laughed at that idea. How could this area possibly be viewed as hip, interesting, or desirable?! Trev was way ahead of the curve, and he's been living this mission as CEO of Bay Futures. So Tiks, this is my public apology for laughing at you. You were right - this area really is wonderful, and I am so glad to be here in this thing with all of you.
While I was finishing my studies at University of Connecticut, I saw my friends take jobs in academia. This seemed like the logical projection for me. At the time, in 2015, I was on pace to complete coursework, pass comprehensive exams, and complete and defend my dissertation. I had essentially spent 10 years of my life preparing to be Dr. Travis, and teach at (insert name of institution here). This certainly would have been a wonderful and fulfilling life. However, an incredible mentor once said, "When opportunity knocks, have your bags packed." (Cue knocking) To my surprise, good friend and mentor Jim Hohmeyer invited me to conduct the Camerata Singers, a chamber choir at the Center for the Arts. I had a wonderful residency, and loved working with the group. They sang well, and I was able to develop a rapport with the ensemble in just a few days. I thought - gee, this could be fun. Maybe I will get to work with them again someday.
Following the summer with Camerata, I returned to Connecticut. I kept swimming, and working towards the degree. I happened to be scanning Facebook one day and an article about an upcoming choral concert at Midland Center. I didn't typically read these things, but for whatever reason, this time I did. While the article was largely about the Chorale concert, there was a brief mention that Jim would be retiring the following season. At this point it was on, a full court press for this job. THE job. My colleagues and peers know that when I set my mind on something, I can be alarmingly persistent until I get it done. (Just ask the admissions counselor at U of M who I sent letters to weekly reminding her of recent accomplishments, pleading to get of the waiting list; or to Lin Manuel Miranda's assistant who I emailed for 11 months to get an interview, or to my incredible boss, Bryan Jao and Terri Trotter who I bothered daily to book The King's Singers). I was going to get this job, or at minimum, go down with the greatest fight in the history of job applications. I think we all know how this played out.
So why Midland, why Michigan? I cannot overstate how fortunate I am to work at the Center. Five years ago, if you had told me I would be in a position to create a concert about baseball and Hamilton, and to perform alongside Dan Dickerson, Conspirare, The King's Singers, Matthew Morrison, and Co...I would have chuckled, but this reality has been far better than the wildest dreams of many. But in some ways, what has been most rewarding is the element of programming that has become a pivotal part of my job. I am able to impact the singers and audiences in the music I program and conduct, but in selecting repertoire for the Midland Symphony Orchestra and working in conjunction with my programming colleagues, Dexter Brigham, Katie Miller, and Anne Schroeder, Bryan Jao we are able to have a broader impact on the artistic scene of the region and beyond, encouraging and at times, developing a new and different appreciation for music. Last year Daryl Freedman, a Metropolitan Opera Singer, performed a recital here at the Center. Watching a group of students interact with her, knowing that many of them had never heard vocal production like that was truly inspiring. I couldn't help but wonder, will one of these young people be the next Daryl Freedman? It's a simple but profound moment among many that I will cherish forever.
But I've loved the opportunity to reconnect with friends from many years ago. How cool is it that Mary Rita and Steve Johnson were involved in Mame, a show I did at the Center over 20 years ago?! Isn't it awesome that Lora Keenan, who just completed an incredible career at Bay City Western sings in a choir I conduct? My folks, who drove me to hours of rehearsals at the Center as a kid, are now seeing a skinnier, better-looking 35 year old version of that kid conduct on the same stage - how amazing is that?! It's funny, sometimes life comes full circle in ways that you don't expect. Several years ago, I didn't didn't anticipate that mine would, but man, I am so glad it did, and am genuinely thankful to be a part of the music community and to be here with all of you. To be back here with my incredible wife and daughter is beyond words - thank you.
I love quoting Brahms, and Sondheim, and Mozart; but in this case, this seems more appropriate: I've got everything I want, and nothing that I don't. Homegrown.
We all have songs that makes us emote...sometimes one or two chords can stir a dozen emotions. Giving Thanks by Jeff Blumenkrantz is undoubtedly one of those songs in my life. In December of 2017, Katie and I were rehearsing for an upcoming performance at the State Theatre. A father of just a week or so , I was red-eyed and emotionally vulnerable. I remember that rehearsal as if it were yesterday, as it was the first time I heard that song. By the final line, "thank God for fathers who love their children, and most of all, thank God for you..", I was a weeping mess. It was that special moment when a meaningful piece was performed by someone you love, that got you thinking about others that you love; in this case, my daughter and my incredible dad. It's one of the most compelling things about music - the way it can so quickly encapsulate so many feelings and memories. What are some pieces that have a similar effect on you?
