Jason remembers…

The end of my CMW fellowship has been sneaking up for months. It started around April when my students began to realize that I wouldn’t be their teacher next year – around the same time I realized I‘d have to let each of them go. Then came the “lasts.” the last time I performed with the Fellows Quartet; the last Phase II dinner provided by the incredible Linda Kane; the last Performance Party and potluck; the last picnic. Soon to come: the last staff meeting; the last performance as a member of the CMW Players (at least for now); and finally, the last time we set the alarm and frantically run out of the office.

There are too many incredible memories to name them all. Some of my
favorites were the concert trips I had a the pleasure to chaperon,
including a trip to Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory
where I attended graduate school. As we walked into the front lobby, I
saw many familiar faces. And when people asked what I was doing, it was
such a proud moment to say “This is my CMW family.” After the concert, I
was able to give them a tour of the historic building and share where I
worked so hard and learned so much.

There is also a stream of moments (Paul helping a young student double knot his laces at the Phase I retreat, Josh helping a nervous violist play through Jingle Bells, etc.) that were beautifully summed up by a friend who participated in the Institute for Musicianship and Public Service (IMPS). After witnessing our students interact over the weekend, he said “I’m amazed by how nice these kids are… even the teenage boys! This is rare!” He was right, this is rare. I’m just so thankful to have been a part of it.

-Jason Amos, Fellow (08-10)

[Editor: After CMW's week-long summer camp in July, Jason will be moving to Boston where, among other activities that he has been lining up, he will join the Boston Public Quartet and their residency at the Chittick School in Mattapan.]