Good luck Aaron and Carole!

We're very sad to say goodbye to Aaron McFarlane and Carole Bestvater, our two most recent Fellowship Program graduates.

Aaron has accepted a position as Centre Director for Sistema New Brunswick (Canada). In its first year, the Saint John Centre will offer 60 children free after-school music education, 5 days a week, 3 hours per day. About his two years at CMW, Aaron writes:

I appreciate "having had the opportunity to be at CMW for two years. Itʼs pushed me to think hard about my role as a musician, and I feel like my work going forward will bear evidence of that thinking."

"The skills I acquired will become more evident after Iʼve left, I think, but Iʼve gained a lot in terms of conceptualizing what needs to be done for big projects. I feel much more like I can start with an endpoint and plot backwards from my desired outcome, and for someone interested in starting [an organization], that feels powerful."

"I thought relationships would develop between the core staff and the fellows, but I had never really considered the strength of the relationships I developed with the other fellows. It was a thrill being surrounded by such incredible, like-minded people."

"I was touched by the fact that several of my students in their end-of-year self-evaluations listed me not only as their teacher, but also their friend."

In the fall, Carole will begin a Masters program at Memorial University's School of Music in Newfoundland. About her CMW experience, she writes:

"I came here looking for a network of people who would inspire me and help me develop my thoughts and ideas. I came here ready to absorb everything I could, and I think I did just that."

"My conversations with Sebastian during our shadowing sessions were largely influential. I pondered, thought, and read recommended books. For me, the Experiential learning environment is most effective. Being around all the staff members and having space to ask questions, think deeply, and absorb information over the past two years has proven to be a very effective method for me."

"Shadowing Heath was very important in [learning the logistical aspects of CMW]—there were aspects of his job I had never even imagined before, and now I can think clearly about details I could never even fathom. I am thinking specifically along the lines of donor relationships, event coordinating, and the visual presentation of an organization. I have tools that I didn’t have before, and that gives me the confidence to move forward and start developing my ideas into a reality."

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We all wish Aaron and Carole the very best in their next endeavors, and no one should be surprised to see them turning up in Providence from time to time… we certainly hope they'll be back to visit soon!