December 31, 2025

New Year’s Eve - Is it time to look back? Or should I look forward?

The year 2025 will likely appear somewhat bleak in hindsight. The numbers don’t look good. Prices for most people are going up. The entertainment industry is hurting in many ways. When families are dealing with rising day-to-day expenses, the first thing to go is often entertainment. The same is true with school budgets. When belts need tightening, the music department is the first to take the hit. And so it was at Le Moyne College. My already slim class load is shrinking even more for the coming semester.

It’s the students who will take the hit. On New Year’s Eve 2075, will they remember math class? When I look back on my college days, I will tell you that I fondly remember concerts that I played with my classmates, and the gigs with my friends. I remember them all fondly. I do not remember my math class or its professor. I remember all of my music classes and professors. What will today’s students remember?

So, with or without your permission, I choose to look forward.

I want to play more. I want to do more art.

Whatever it takes, I am going to get out there and share my music and my art. The band will be looking to play anywhere that will have us. It’s all about sharing our music. I refuse to let art die.

Today, I will celebrate with my loved ones, looking forward with hope for a future filled with songs and artistry.

Onward, not backward.