Southerners do not hold the copyright on hospitality

Every day I'm amazed even more at how gracious these folks are in California. After spending three hours interviewing Don Neuen at his lovely home on Tuesday, I had a great evening meal and visit with Jon Bailey. Jon and I have a mutual friend who is a member of my sabbatical council. I'm very thankful for the connection. I feel like a tiny ant at the feet of musical giants. Wednesday was a long day, and I loved every minute of it. It began with the choral conducting class at UCLA. [Side note: Just when I was really beginning to feel like one of the students, I had a conversation with one of Don's grad assistants. We were talking about Southern California weather and she said "I think one time when I was very young...just a tiny thing...way back in 1991 or so, it snowed in L.A." 1991, huh? I was quickly snapped back into reality about my age!] This afternoon I observed my second chorale rehearsal. Around 5:30 I had dinner with Don and his wife Sue at a great little restaurant near the school. Perhaps the musical highlight of the day occurred this evening at a 2 1/2 hour orchestra rehearsal where Don's students conducted. This has inspired me to visit more orchestra rehearsals in the future. Perhaps I'll even have time to do this in Utah. Off to pack and then to sleep. I'm transferring to a hotel near the Crystal Cathedral tomorrow. I'll stay there until Sunday when I come back into L.A. Before I leave L.A. in the morning, I have the opportunity to visit with the legendary Paul Salamunovich. Wow!