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Hi, it's Jack Gerrity. I really want to wish you a happy birthday. You have done so much for me and  truly changed my life for the better. Band was my favorite class all throughout middle school and I always looked forward to it. Middle school was very stressful compared to elementary school and I'm super glad that I had a class where I could relax and actually have fun. You were one of the best teachers I had and helped me in so many ways. If not for you I probably wouldn't be playing in high school band right now so I'm really thankful that you were my teacher. I really hope that you have a happy birthday this year.

Jack Gerrity
Tuba player
Gregory 2019

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Dear Mrs. Dimidk,
hello it’s Avika! You are my favorite band teacher and I miss you so much! I love how funny you are and how caring! I really wish I can come in to just see the classes and come one morning for wind ensemble, but because of school starting that time I am unable to☹️ But I will try to visit soon! I hope all the best for you and you’re students! I honestly wish you were my band teacher through highschool too because I loved when you were my teacher ( haha don’t tell my other teachers😂)  I hope you had a fantastic birthday! I hope I see you soon!

Avika Aul
Gregory 19’

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Dear Mrs. Dimidik,
I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday, and tell you how good of a teacher you are.  When I moved to Gregory I didn't know anyone, and it was a hard first couple of weeks, but I knew I always had you to talk to and I always had Band class to look forward to.  I know that I was pretty quiet throughout the year, but I wanted to let you know that I learned so much from you and I had a lot of fun in Band.  I truly think that You made me both a better Trombone player and a better person and I can't thank you enough for being such a great teacher.  Music is now a huge part of me and it's something that I want to carry out throughout my life.  I would have loved to have been in Gregory band for all 3 year instead of just the 1, but I am thankful that I at least got to spend that year at Gregory.  Anyways thank you very much, and Happy Birthday!!!
-Matias Long
Gregory '19

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Dear Mrs. Dimidik
Thank you for being such an awesome teacher and person. I really miss last year having you as my teacher. Band was always my favorite class because you made it fun. Band has always been the place I can go to relax, it is a perfect break in a long day of school. I can go and just have fun playing music with my friends. And I truly believe that it wouldn’t hold this meaning for me if it wasn’t for you. I vividly remember when you came to Builta in 5th grade to show us all the instruments. Most of which I had never heard of before. I remember having a hard time deciding between stringed bass and percussion, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I can’t imaging my life without music in it. Since 6th grade I have joined almost every music club, group, or ensemble I could join, and I have made some of my closest friends in this art. I remember back to the first few days of band in 6th grade and our first sounds. Also back to our first performance playing an out-of-tune rendition of Hot Cross Buns. Now I think to where I today, and the concerts I have just performed. I have grown so much, and none of it would be possible without you. I am so lucky to have had you as my teacher. Not only have I improved as a musician, but you have taught  me so much about how to be a good person. I think one of the goals you strive for is to make everyone in the band program leave a better person than when they entered. You have taught me so much. I have learned the importance of being hard-working, a team player, and me. You have always pushed me to my limits because you have the talent of seeing things in people that they may not even see in themselves. Being in an ensemble is so much like a team. Everyone has to work together to achieve their best. I have learned how to work better with other people and help them reach their highest potential. But most importantly you have taught me to be myself. No matter how weird I am (I know it is a lot) you always tell me to “Stay Weird”. Everyone is different but that is what makes them special. You have really taught me to always be authentic not try to “fit in”. Thank you for everything that you do!
From your student (still not lit on fire),
Thomas Vigh
Class of 2019

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Mrs. Dimidik,

Happy birthday! It's been a long time and I really miss being in band with you! You were the one to inspire me and many others to pick up an instrument and play. I'm so glad I got the chance to meet you and be your student because I wouldn't be the person I am today without you. You were always so supportive and kind even when you were giving us tough love, and you've made me and plenty of others better musicians better because of it. Thank you for being there during the hardest time of my life. I don't know if you remember that email you sent me but I do and it truly helped me get through the rougher parts of that time in my life. Thank you for fostering my love of band and being an amazing teacher.

- Hannah Ji
Percussion
Gregory Middle School '16

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Hello Mrs. Dimidik, this is Julian. I hope you are having a fabulous birthday and an amazing school year! This is an amazing opportunity to express my extreme and neverending gratitude towards your impact on my life. My whole life I have been involved in playing piano. But, the thing about piano is that I play by myself and I don't have to take others into consideration very much. When I started band, I saw that music was much more than a singular activity. You opened up doors to me that I thought never existed. You made learning music an incredibly fun and enjoyable task. Your groovy and funny attitude is what made me want to try everything. I would have never joined jazz band or wind ensemble if I didn't have such a great influence as you. All that said, I miss you and playing percussion in the Gregory band room very much. But, because of you, I get to continue pursuing my passion for playing music at NVHS.

Happy Birthday,
Julian Senal '19

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Happy birthday Mrs. Dimidik! I hope you have a great day! I just wanted to thank you for being an amazing band teacher and for inspiring me to be a better musician and a better person. Having you as my band teacher definitely made middle school a lot better. Your dedication and enthusiasm has left a positive impact on every one of your students. Have an awesome birthday!

Catherine Coggeshall
Gregory '17

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Dear Mrs. Dimidik,
Happy Birthday! I have been feeling homesick for Gregory and that is all because of you. You have been one of the greatest teachers I have ever had. Your laughter and happiness made me, a little kid from Texas, very comfortable for moving to this new school and state in 7th grade. You gave me the confidence to push forward and the chance to pursue my musicianship and the highest level. Even when I wanted to quit because my squeaks or that I could not keep up with Wind Ensemble, you were my light at the end of the tunnel. I aspired not for myself, but to make you proud that you took the chance to put me on one of the most prestigious bands in Gregory, and I feel that I did meet your expectations. You have  brought so much happiness into all of your student's lives and that makes you the perfect friend. You weren't just a teacher, you were a friend and the greatest role model imaginable. I thank you for everything you have done to me and all of Gregory Band. I wish you the happiest birthday imaginable!
Maheen Kumar
Clarinet
Gregory 2019

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This is Jack Tolentino. I hope you have a great birthday! Thank you for being such an amazing teacher. I will not only be returning to come see Gregory’s performances, but to see you as well. Middle school was a great experience and it was because of you. It was always so much fun to be in wind ensemble and band class with you. If it had not been you and Mrs. Plaskota, I do not think I would have woken up early four days a week to go to school. You made going to school early fun and exciting. We shared many laughs and made many memories together that I will never forget. You not only taught me about music but also taught me many important life lessons that I will use throughout my life. Music has been a HUGE part of my life and my passion for it started because of you. You have supported me, encouraged me, and helped me in so many ways. I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me. You have helped shape me into the person that I am today. You have touched so many lives, including mine, in countless ways. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us all!

-Jack Tolentino

Gregory ‘19

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Happy Birthday Mrs. Dimidik!
I just want to thank you so much for the awesome experience I had in middle school band. It was always very lively and fun, and it definitely wouldn't have been as fun without you in it! I always enjoyed band throughout the entirety of middle school, it was something that I always looked forward too! You were an incredible teacher, and if it weren't for you I probably still wouldn't be in band! You're kind, humorous, caring, and you pushed me throughout the entirety of middle school, and thank you! Thanks for being a great teacher, and have a great birthday!

Ransom Wheeler
Gregory '19

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I want to first start by wishing you a Happy Birthday!! Thank you so much for always encouraging me and helping me become a better musician and person. You have impacted so many of our lives, more than just through music, shaping who we are as a person, always shining a light on us in a positive way. There are so many great things that can be said about you. Your care for others and your ability to connect with students is like no other teacher at Gregory.  I just want to say thank you, for 3 amazing years of band at Gregory. Have a Happy Birthday!!

Best,
Alex Del Genio
Trumpet
Gregory '18

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Happy birthday!! I miss you! Thank you for everything that you have done for me and for always putting a smile on my face when I walked into class. You always made my day. It has been an honor to have been taught by you. Thank you for being the best teacher ever. I hope you have the best birthday!! Happy birthday to best band teacher out there!

Emily Negrete
'19

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Thanks for teaching me how to play my instrument. Although I’m not playing it anymore (in school at least), I definitely cherish all of the memories that we shared, like Jazz Band, practicing in the sweltering heat only to have my 7th grade parade cancelled, the one note solo at the end of John Williams, Drury Lane/CSO, watching West Side Story in class, and tons of other things. I hope every student you’re teaching will remember the things you teach them since playing an instrument is something I only could’ve learned from you.

From Your Least Favorite Student,
Jake Panek
Alto Saxophone/Baritone Saxophone
Class of 2019

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I'd like to start with I hope you're having a nice day! I can't even think of where to start, but thank you seems like a good one. Thank you so much for making band so much fun! I remember waking up everyday for school wasn't exactly something everyone wanted to do, but I was lucky to have band first period, which set a positive outlook for the rest of the day. I remember when I first came to Gregory I was new to the school in eighth grade, and I was so nervous to go to school. I can clearly remember how welcomed I felt after I talked to you that day. Ever since then, I would always look forward to first period and band was just a great start to my day because of you. I hope you have a great day and I hope the next year brings you a lot of happiness!

Sincerely, Nikki Reddy
Gregory '19

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Happy Birthday Mrs. Dimidik! I loved band class with you! The wonderful opportunities you provide for everyone makes band an absolute blast. Have a fantastic birthday knowing that you're the reason that loads of people have a love for music! Party hard boss!

Jim Wettlaufer
Gregory Middle School '18

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Happy Birthday Mrs. Dimidik. We all miss you so much here at Neuqua and hope you have great day. I just want to thank you so much for pushing me every day back then to reach excellence because it really has molded me into a great person and peer to others. I still love to remember playing at Costco for jazz ensemble. That was truly an amazing experience. All in all, I hope you have a fantastic birthday and continue to be a baller. Celebrate BIG and keep dabbing it up.

Nicolas Luciano
Gregory Middle School ‘16

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Mrs. Dimidik-
You are an incredible band teacher and have shaped so many of our lives. Class with you was so much fun every single day. You deserve to take a day and celebrate how amazing you are! Without you, I wouldn’t be the player I am today, nor the person I am today. You’re so fun, caring, inspiring and supportive and every person here is here because of you. I’m so glad I could see you at the fall concert and look forward to the winter ones!! Again, happy birthday! 🎉
Ariana Golemis, ‘19

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Happy Birthday Mrs. Dimidik!

You were the best band teacher throughout middle school because you had some cheesy humor and you helped me a lot with some music tips that will help me as I get into high school. Not only did you help me through music class but you were so nice and kind to everyone, even the saxophone section (because we were the best, not to brag haha). But you had also taught us how to march in the marching band, this was my favorite time of the year, even though the 8th graders didn't get to have their last marching band parade in 8th grade :( But, I had a lot fun in band class.
I hope your birthday will treat you well!

Sarah Bayna, Saxophone
Gregory '18

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Out of all the teachers I’ve had through out the years, you are probably one of the most passionate about your job and caring about your students. When I first met you in fifth grade at instrument prelude, I saw your peppy and funny personality and knew that I wanted to be in band and have you as a teacher. You made my years at Gregory so enjoyable and fun, while also making me a better musician too. Without you, I would have probably never gotten this invested in band in the first place. I wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me since sixth grade, and have a very special and happy birthday!!

Emilie Jerger
Gregory Class of 19

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Hi Mrs. Dimidik!

Honestly,  I don't even know where to start with this. Thank you so much for being such an awesome teacher. I feel so lucky that I was able to learn so much from you during the three years of middle school. During band class, wind ensemble, and all of the other musical experiences, I got to learn so much more about myself as both a musician and a person. Please know that I will never forget the lessons i have learned from you and Mrs. Plaskota, whether it be about music or just have to enjoy life in general. Looking back, I have so many positive memories from Gregory band, ranging from "Please Be Quiet and Boogie With Me" to always forgetting to do attendance :).

Granted, there were some rough spots along the way where I seriously re-evaluated whether or not to continue playing the clarinet. But through every single squeak and every single wrong note, you, Mrs. Plaskota, and everyone else involved with Gregory music were there to support me along the way.

All in all, I sincerely appreciate everything that you've done for me. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that I really miss having you as a teacher. I hope the current 8th graders haven't been too bad so far :). I hope that you have a wonderful birthday, and I hope to see you sometime this year!

Ryan Wang, Clarinet
Gregory '19

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The happiest of birthdays to you Mrs Dimidik. You have been a huge inspiration in my life and have not only taught me how to be a better musician but a better person. Playing in band with you every day and coming to school for wind ensemble was probably the best part of my middle school experience. Happy birthday and thank you so much for everything
Lauren Walwer
Gregory class of 2017

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Mrs. Dimidik,

I hope you have an incredible birthday!

I miss you so much, and I can never thank you enough for believing in me, and constantly pushing me to be a better musician in the four years that you were my teacher.

Band was hands-down my favorite part of middle school, thanks to your constant humor during class and your incredible ability to inspire us all to be better musicians and better human beings. I really miss the amazing times at Gregory! You have had such an incredible influence on me, and you have quite literally changed my life, allowing me to fall in love with music and feel incredible joy playing the oboe. Also, you helped me step out of my comfort zone and taught me how to play with confidence. :)

Just a little memory I want to share: in 2012, on the day of instrument selection in fifth grade, you noticed that I was clearly dissatisfied with the flute, and you encouraged me to try something different, leading me to pick the oboe. :)

I can’t wait to see you again when we come for Tri-M visits to Gregory in December, but in the meantime, I hope band at Gregory is going well, and I hope you enjoy Crystal Concerts! I’m really proud to have been your student, and once again, I hope you have an amazing birthday!

Sincerely,

Jessica Mann, Oboe

Gregory Middle School '16

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Hi Mrs.Dimidik!
I have so many things to say it boggles my mind I haven't expressed this earlier. I just want to give my deepest gratitude,  you pushed me to do something that I didn't know I would love so much. I probably would have quit band in 8th grade going to 9th grade if it weren't for you and Mrs.Plaskota. You both supported me along with my becoming a musician. You were and still are one of my favorite teachers I've had as a student anywhere, your enthusiasm pushed everyone to do their best in band. Your enthusiasm and drive to teach us new techniques and skills along the way drove me to become a better musician and student. One of the greatest things you did for me was assign me as right guide 8th-grade year. I know that only one person tried out that year so you needed to assign two more people, and one of them was me. I didn't sign up for right guide because I was convinced I was quitting at the end of 8th grade. But when I was assigned right guide I didn't know what to expect. Talking and meeting with all the Neuqua Marching Band changed my lens. They all looked like they were having so much fun and I guess I envied it. So I said, "What could 1 more year do?" so I signed up for Marching Band and "one more year" of band. This was one of the best years of my life. Marching Band was so much fun, the people I met, the memories I made. Even though Mother Nature wanted to shove us into a locker for the year, we had enough Resilience(name of the show) to push through. Thanks to that great year, I've decided that 3 more years of band is something I'm willing to do and have fun with. This amazing journey started with you, and it's only just begun.

Thank you for everything and I hope the future entails great things for you

-Ethan Tang, Flute
Gregory'18

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Thank you so much for always encouraging me and helping me become a better musician and person. You are definitely one of the most influential teachers I have ever had and the things I learned in your class I will remember forever. I loved wind ensemble  even though I had to wake up early. I made so many amazing memories in middle school and I've made some of my closest friends. I know you will continue to shape more lives and you have definitely changed mine. Thank you for all you have done for me and all of your students!

Emily Perucca
Gregory '19

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Thank you so much for making middle school an amazing experience that nobody will ever forget. You taught us all so much in three years, and not just music. You taught us the importance of dedication, the benefits of hard work, the significance of friendships, and the lesson to always have fun and laugh. Band was always such a safe and fun environment because of you. We all miss you so much now and thank you for making us the people we are today. You got to watch us all grow through three years and you have truly impacted our lives. You have never failed to make us smile, laugh, emotional, or feel loved. Wind, jazz band, and class hold so many hilarious and awesome memories that none of us will ever forget. Thank you so much for everything you've done for us and I hope you have an amazing birthday!
p.s. we are all definitely gonna come back for some concerts because we miss you so so much!

Eesha Dhingra
Gregory '19

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Thanks for being one of my favorite teachers all of middle school. You've inspired me to do whatever makes me happy, even if it meant quitting band. There was never a day where I didn't want to go to band, and that was mostly because of how great of a teacher you are and how fun every day was. Even though we had to wake up early, wind ensemble has some of the most memorable moments from band. I'm still continuing playing piano out of school and remembering tips and tricks you taught us all.

Once again, Thanks and have a great birthday!
-Ethan Hung
Gregory 19'

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Hi this is Becca!
I hope your special day is amazing! Writing this took me way back to the first times I ever played an instrument! You made my first ever experiences wonderful and I always wanted and enjoyed coming to band! Even if I was having an off day your kindness and bright personality turned it around! I made so many memories in band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band!! My favorites are probably when you would answer the office phone in the funniest of voices! The countless hours you spent helping us become the people today are immeasurable! I can't think of how many things I needed help with in my middle school years but you were always there to help me! The help you gave me in and out of band helped me become the person I am today and I'm so grateful! I miss being in your class so much and I hope to visit during the triptych season and during marching band season!! Thank you for being the wonderful person you are!! Have a great birthday!

Becca Haller
Gregory '18

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Mrs. Dimidik,
Gosh, where to start. I just want to thank you so much for being the reason I continue music today. Seriously, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have developed this love for music. You gave me confidence in my playing all the time, and I have so many small memories with you that every now and then make me laugh. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be in Marching Band right now or have this insane interest in Jazz. You have made my journey throughout Gregory the best it could have been and I really miss sharing that experience with you. Your bright personality was what I would looked forward to every single day. Band was and still is something that I look forward to and is an experience I know I will enjoy and that is largely because of you. I can’t express how much you’ve done for me and I’m really proud to have been able to call you my teacher.

I hope you have an amazing birthday!!!

Justin Martin
Gregory ‘18

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I’d say that out of all of my teachers that I’ve had throughout the years, the ones who really made a difference in people’s life’s were the ones who taught music. Music is a platform in which anyone, of any age or walk of life, can express themselves and freely create whatever they want. Those who taught music introduced countless wide-eyed students to something they’ll never forget. My experience at Gregory set me up for the next couple of years. If it weren’t for you, some of my closest friends wouldn’t know my name. Some of the most amazing staff members, such as yourself, wouldn’t have taught me. The countless hours of work and dedication towards my craft would’ve been in vain. What I’m trying to say is that you should keep doing what you love to do. Shaping youngins into adults. Giving them life lessons. Changing their lives for the better. Have a wonderful Birthday and I wish that from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

Ben Meyer
Trumpet Player
Gregory Class of ‘18

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Hello! I wanted to thank you for being the best band teacher. You were always really encouraging, and you helped me realize how much I enjoying making music. You helped me find something I'm really passionate about and for that I am very thankful. I hope you enjoy your birthday, and I hope to visit Gregory soon!

- Sarah Kuepers
Gregory '18

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Thank you so so SO much for being not only an awesome band teacher, but also an awesome person! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have developed my love for band and music. In fact, If I hadn't had a teacher that taught me as well as you did, I probably wouldn't have continued band throughout high school. I continue to look back at all of the priceless memories I have from middle school band today. It made me so happy when I saw you at the marching band 8th grade night! You inspire so many people in only the best ways and I really hope you continue that. I wish you the very best of birthday wishes and many more to come!

Happy Birthday! :D
-Ashley San Agustin
Gregory '18

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Thanks for being a great teacher and someone who definitely helped shape me and many of your students. I don't think any of us, all of your students, would ever have enjoyed music so much if it wasn't for you.  Thabk you for making band my favorite part of middle school, having wind ensemble in the mornings was a great way to start my day.I miss having you as a teacher a lot and definitely will not forget you anytime soon.

Thank you so much, and have a great day,
Aiden Ballard
Gregory '19

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Hello, this is Hajun. I just wanted to say happy birthday! I really miss you as a band teacher and you will always be my favorite teacher of all time. I truly feel honored to have had you as my teacher and I really do miss you. It makes me smile whenever I see you during marching band. I really wanted to see the fall concert, but times didn’t work out 😢. I will definitely visit you during triptych season and I might even bring cough drops for you!! I hope you will be able to spend your birthday with family, friends, and students and I also hope you have a great Halloween with your daughters as well! Thank you for everything!

Best of,
Hajun Lee
Gregory ‘18

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To the teacher of my favorite class: Happy Birthday !! 

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To the teacher of my favorite class: Happy Birthday !! 

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Happy Birthday!! I hope your day is great, just like you. Thank you. For making it fun to make music. For making band the best part of my day. For making it worth it to get up early 2/5 days a week. I'm really lucky to have you as a teacher and I'll definitely miss you when I go on to Neuqua. I hope you have a great day with your family and friends (and cats). Now is when I realize I want to say a lot of things. See, I want to thank you because starting to play an instrument was when I truly realized the deep connection I had to music and how much I loved it. You are my favorite teacher and you are always able to make me smile. I hope I can make you smile reading this. I'm 100% sure that if it weren't for you, my musical journey wouldn't be the same. It'd be lacking enthusiasm and curiosity. Happiness and passion. I'll always remember that moment: Late December, 2018. The invitation to join wind ensemble. The day I realized that music was my *thing*. Thank you for pushing me to be the best musician I can possibly be. Thank you for changing my life for the better. Yeah, I could've learned music from any other teacher, but having you as my teacher has let me develop such a strong passion and love for music. I guess I'm trying to express eternal gratefulness. Because ever since DAY ONE, you have pushed me, encouraged me, and believed in me, even (and especially) when I couldn't do those things for myself. You have not only taught me the beauty and worth of music but also the beauty and worth of life. Thanks for being a great teacher and a greater person.  Thanks for making me a great musician and a greater person. Thanks, not only for helping me, but also teaching me how to help myself. I want to thank you for so many things. I owe you.

Best Regards,
-Meiling Sun