The puzzle

My dear friend Darin sent me a commencement card this past week.

He is thoughtful and kind and aware of so many connections and sinews that bind him and me, but also that bind all of us in the human condition.

The commencement to which he refers is the next act, one that I began on June 1.

Darin wrote “When you began creating your life in Saint Louis, it was interesting to watch ‘Puzzle Jeff’ move pieces around to create the desired picture.”

I had not thought of my journey in this way — as a puzzle with removable pieces, or pieces that can be changed — but as usual Darin is right.

[Here’s a 2009 photo from a Gateway Men’s Chorus show . . . .]

On stage with the Gateway Men’s Chorus of Saint Louis, 2009.

The thirteen years so far in Saint Louis have now led to what I love most, namely teaching and being creative. I have left behind the administrator life to focus on teaching music classes, helping students find their authentic and sustainable voice, and creating sounds to support Circus Harmony or for others to sing.

Puzzle pieces have come and gone:

• Artistic Director of the Gateway Men’s Chorus, with growth and acclaim and two CD recordings
• Chorister at The Church of Saint Michael & Saint George (two gos at that)
• Section member of the Bach Society of Saint Louis
• National committee chair for American Choral Directors Association, and board member for Conductors Guild
• Chorister at the Cathedral Basilica of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis
• Section member of the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus, and that memorable concert at Carnegie Hall
• Human for Samson, and for Auggie, two beloved canine companions
• Two fizzled relationships, both of which had potential, but there it is
• Resident Music Director at New Line Theatre
• Chair of the Webster University Department of Music

Most recently I have been Director of the Variety Children’s Choruses, and Music Director/Composer for Circus Harmony.

I’ve also discovered anew the joys of gardening and of cooking, and I’m taking classes from time to time in both, at the Missouri Botanical Garden and at Kitchen Conservatory.

My voice is no longer in a place where I can be a chorister in a smaller ensemble. Perhaps before it’s too far gone, I’ll have one more go at the SLSO chorus?

But for now, I focus on reinvigorating my teaching, on upping my culinary skills, on getting some music composed and polished this summer.

And travel is starting up again, for which privilege I am immensely thankful.

I’m bearing down on 60 years old. And I think the puzzle pieces are set for a while.

Darin as usual has called the game with a bit of poetry. I’m grateful.