On leaving

I conduct a community chorus where I live, and until recently taught choral music at a local high school. In a recent gathering, I found myself in polite conversations about next academic year. Later feeling the answer needed more explanation, I penned them a letter, which I hoped would succinctly answer their questions as to my leaving.

"If there's something that makes us artists and singers, it would be the power of a vulnerability we use to examine and love our unique selves, and the ability to honestly put those truths into our music, thus sharing and communicating the beauty one embraces with others. The bravery to remain authentic in this pursuit often brings you against walls constructed by those who wish to mute your honesty in their equal pursuit of making lives of parents, colleagues, and donors comfortable, purposefully ignoring the truth that our diversity is what truly unites us. I will not be returning to teach at ******* next year, because on principle, I will not fall into lines that walk toward conformity at the sacrifice of authenticity, suppression at the sacrifice of honesty, and ultimately dogmatic regurgitation at the expense of the careful, loving formation of indelible, young lives. There comes a point where one must walk away from an institution that chooses discrimination over dignity, asking for a form of normal that calls for uniqueness to cover herself, lest someone become uncomfortable when presented with the opportunity to have their mind opened. I cannot live this way as a teacher, an artist, or a human being. It is said that there is a place called vocation, where your greatest passion meets the world's greatest need. I believe this to be true, and simply ask for your thoughts and prayers as I continue to seek this place..."

"Oh Spirit of Guidance, shine thy divine light upon my path."