Hey you, long time no talk. In fact, it's been almost a month since you've emailed me last. (Sorry for being sassy)

Nolan, You have been one of the single most inspiring and phenomenal people I've ever met. From day one, I knew that you weren't just another push-over music instructor. You were the real deal and I absolutely loved it. I'll be honest, I was terrified of you for the first couple of months. You weren't talkative much, you yelled at me when I spoke German and I just wasn't sure how it would work out. That definitely didn't last long. Despite the fact that you made us run constantly (man do you love flowers), you were, are, a very caring, funny, and interesting guy. You became a role model and inspiration to the whole woodwind section that year.

So often in MACBDA and just marching band in general, the woodwinds are kind of shunted off because it's more of a brass-oriented activity. You showed us that we were just as important, strong, and crucial to that activity. Being your student, and I speak for every woodwind when I say this, was really empowering and amazing. We learned so much, we gained so much more control over our instruments... we walked out of that season new people and a lot of that was because of you. I wouldn't have asked for anyone else to be a hard ass during drill and even worse in music block.

More than that, beyond that summer of insane heat and awesome shows, you became (dare I say) a friend to me. When you first offered to give me lessons, I was through the moon, beyond the galaxy, and flying through the universe. Long story short, I was ecstatic. I even gave up my birthday so that I could come to my very first lesson instead of spending time with my family or friends. It meant so much to me that you wanted to be my teacher, even if it was just for a little side cash.

My excitement didn't mean I wasn't terrified. Goodness, I was scared. I could hardly play the first couple of weeks because I was so scared of disappointing you or just making a fool of myself. Yet, we made it, I got over myself, and in the following eleven months, I learned more than I ever thought possible. I became a better musician and a happier person. Lessons with you were the one thing I looked forward to each week and they kept me going. I don't know if you ever realized just how important those hour long lessons were for me, but thank you. Thank you so, so, so much.

To put into words how much you did for me, and still do when you have time, is simply impossible. You comforted me when I was down, you helped me through some of the roughest patches in my life, and you reassured me when I was having self-doubt. Without you, I wouldn't have competed in solo and ensemble my senior year. I wouldn't have been accepted to two colleges. I wouldn't have been offered two phenomenal music scholarships. It's thanks to you pushing me, encouraging me, and often times giving me a decent dosage of tough love that I've made it this far.

Musically, you pushed me beyond my limits. Professionally, you showed me how to carry myself. Personally, you in your underhanded sort of way built me up and gave me a confidence I never knew existed.

So, in short, thank you. Thank you for being a wonderful instructor. Thank you for being the best lesson teacher a girl could ask for. And thank you for being the friend and role model I need in my life.