02/05/2023
Dear Music Students,
Take it from someone who knows.
In 8th grade, I almost quit band. I had gotten frustrated because I was being challenged past my natural talent, and things were suddenly "hard." I did not quit, and I can't imagine how different my life would be if I had.
Now, it would be very easy for you to say "Oh, SURE Randay Standy, you became a professional composer, so of COURSE, your life would be different, but that doesn't affect ME!"
And you'd be wrong.
It wasn't just my teaching and composition career I got from band.
It was self-discipline which has made me a successful adult.
It was work ethic which has been a key to my career.
It was being willing to stick with things, even when they get hard, something that had added longevity and strength to my marriage (25 years and counting!)
It was a sense of self worth and self pride, something I desperately needed in my middle and high school years as I figured out who this Randy Standy person was supposed to be.
It was friends that always had my back.
It was mentors that always believed in me.
Music class is so much more than learning to perform notes and rhythms.
It is learning to be successful at whatever task is set before you and learning to work with and trust those around you.
I hope you'll stick with it.
I really do.
It will change your life...
..if you let it.
Peace Love and Music
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