July 1, 2020
Linda Walker
19157 Evening Drive
Caldwell, ID 83607
Dear Students, Former Students, Families and Friends of Young Artists,
What a joy it is to have worked with such loving, loyal and extraordinary people! What a privilege it has been to teach you and, at the same time, to learn from you as I taught you of the beauty you can share through developing your talents. Together, we have become better, more confidant, and more grateful people as we have striven to create beauty through musical excellence.
This years Spring Concert would have been the capstone of my 32 years of directing the Treasure Valley Young Artists and Treasure Valley Children’s Choruses. It has been a journey of wonder and delight, of discovery and of faith!
I discovered that children can learn anything one can think how to teach them! I learned that children are very brave and are willing to try things that would be hard for most adults to do— if they are in a setting where they are safe and encouraged and expected to do those things!
I felt such a “oneness” with you and could feel, as I looked into your eyes, how much the Lord cherishes each of you!
All of our spirits respond to beauty and love and light, and all of us are happier when we fill our lives with those things that bring light and beauty and love into our hearts. Working with you and music together has filled our souls to overflowing!
Bruce and I hope you have felt our love and appreciation for you, for beautiful music, and for the God who created both, from whom “all things wise and wonderful” flow.
As we have carefully considered the best course to take, in light of the current situation, it seems appropriate and wise to now retire Treasure Valley Young Artists.
We have only cried a few hundred times (whenever we picture your trusting, expectant faces) and Bruce only says to me every Tuesday evening, “Now you would just be starting Apprentice Choir,” “Now you would be ending Advanced Choir,” “Now you would be in the middle of Concert Choir,” “Now you would be just ending Premier Singers.”
May your lives be blessed forever as you have blessed ours!
With great love,
Linda & Bruce Walker
P.S. Please respond with your current contact information, including mailing address, so we can take care of tuition refunds, awards and recordings.
Note from Milana:
Dear Young Artists,
Dear Young Artists,
My heart is filled with gratitude and joy for the 19 years of being a part of Treasure Valley Young Artists. I will forever cherish the blessings, memories, and perfect moments we have shared together. I will forever cherish all that I have learned. Thank you, Bruce and Linda, and each of you for your voices and hearts. You are all so beautiful. Together, we have created and shared far beyond what we could do individually.
Music is the language of the soul, and expresses what words cannot. Music also has a powerful influence on our souls and can change our hearts and minds. Bruce and Linda have been so careful to choose music that will fill your hearts and minds with light and love. As we have worked so hard on the “sound” unique to Young Artists choirs, our hearts and minds have been knit together and that “sound of love and light” has reached out and wrapped around thousands of others.
My prayer is that this will be a pattern for the rest of your lives. Use music to fill your hearts and minds with light and love. Let the songs you have learned and continue to learn or write be a powerful influence to chase away darkness and increase love and light. Remember how much you are loved. Then let that love and light reach out and wrap around others. “If everyone lights just one little candle, what a bright world this would be.” When you wake up in the morning, I hope you sing, “Oh what a beautiful morning”, and when you step outside I hope your heart sings “all things bright and beautiful, the Lord God made them all.” I hope you remember that “lux” is “eternal”, and that we can choose to “walk on the sunny side of the street.” Remember to “Smile,” and show your teeth when you do.
My final thoughts can only be expressed in this song.
“Savior, Redeemer of my soul, whose mighty hand hath made me whole, what wondrous power hath raised me up, and filled with sweet my bitter cup. What tongue my gratitude can tell, O gracious God of Israel.
Never can I repay thee Lord, But I can love thee, Thy pure word. Hath it not been my one delight, My joy by day, my dream by night. Then let my lips proclaim it still, and all my life reflect thy will.
O’re rule my acts to serve thine ends, change frowning foes to smiling friends. Chasten my soul till I shall be in perfect harmony with thee. Make me more worthy of thy love and fit me for the life above. “ Orson F. Whitney
May you always remember how much you are loved and keep that song in your heart.
With deepest love and gratitude for all of you,
Sincerely, Milana
Sincerely, Milana
P.S. I am making a collection of all the “Linda”isms and “Bruce”isms. They may be one liners, stories, something you’ve learned, or memories that have been meaningful and precious to you. Please email them to me throughout the month of July. Thank you. milanacolt@gmail.com
