Klarinet Archive - Posting 000521.txt from 1998/06

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Back To School?
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 11:30:24 -0400

On Sun, 14 Jun 1998 DGross1226@-----.com wrote:

> I'm not sure where such an adventure would lead me, but I was wondering
> if any of you on the list who were significantly older than the typical
> 18 year old freshman had ever pursued a similar path? Or have any of
> you college educators taught similar "retreads" in your classrooms?

At the University of Evansville, we have had a 77-year old freshman violin
major, who was a retired physician, and a 70-year old freshman harp major,
a widow, who earned her tuition by cleaning houses. We also had two
freshmen in their 40's, both of who were married with children and both of
whom were registered nurses who decided to go back to school and study
music, which was what they had wanted to do when they were 18, but they
had succumbed to the admonitions of those who advised them to major in
"something practical." The path that ultimately led them to the study of
music turned out to be the most impractical route they could have chosen.

All these students were accepted, appreciated and admired by their 18-year
old colleagues. Only one of the four now has a career in music, but all
of them gained a great deal of satisfaction from pursuing something that
they enjoyed.

Don't be afraid. One thing is sure, you are never going to be any younger
than you are right now. Go for it, and have fun!

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************

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