Perhaps. There are more kinds of excellence than I think even good artists often realise, however. I was a woodwinds player myself, but I was certainly never going to be first chair anywhere. I did have a better-than-average sense of rhythm and phrasing, and I think that shows up in my compositions. In this area, at the tender age of 63, I am still growing. It’s a suitable application for my strengths as a musician. Will I gain any recognition in my lifetime or beyond? Who knows? It’s not really important.
Mind you, I never gave up the day job either, and that might have been a mistake on my part.
What’s the situation with the trembling hands, if you mind my asking? RSI?
Edit: Oh, and I recently picked up an Akai EWI-USB. It’s a real pleasure to play. Highly recommended.
2nd Edit: I have just seen the “Ask me anything” thread. I’ll catch up there.
It is complex, but the seizures did a number on the nervous system. The brain still works, the ears still work, and this mortal coil is like the Energizer Bunny. But the wiring is off.
It may heal, it may not. But I now get to make macabe jokes like, “even organ failure can’t kill me. I’d suggest you keep that in mind if we ever come to fisticuffs.”
How 'bout a flaming sword with a wooden stake for a hilt? Stick some refractory material at the juncture, and you’re good to go - you can slash 'em or stake 'em at need.
Let’s not forget those who, no matter what you say is your reasoning, hold you responsible for the suggestion above - as they know your intent better than you do.
If the goodbye note offers condemnation but not a shred of constructive feedback or even honest criticism, then it qualifies. Likewise if it attempts to shame individual members, or similarly holds the author above reproach while blaming nearly everyone else for the slightest indiscretions. If a goodbye note does any of this, then perhaps it shouldn’t be written.
