Today I was supposed to go to New Orleans with some pretty awesome high school jazz students. I have a confession – my longest band trip in a bus was heading to St. Louis. I’ve never done an overnight bus trip with students. I was actually looking forward to being properly initiated into that club. I was looking forward to complaining about a lack of sleep, and a stiff body from the trip.
However, more than anything, I was looking forward to the adventure – we were going to a jazz festival in NEW ORLEANS! The warm air, the FOOD, the music…..I was SO excited to go back to a city I haven’t been to for a long time.
Well, what exactly do you do to get over the sad feeling that comes every time you think about it? Try to bring a little bit of NOLA to me, of course. I made my mom’s jambalaya recipe with what I had in the pantry/freezer. I streamed some New Orleans brass bands on my favorite devices. I participated in a birthday parade for a kindergartner (not quite like a New Orleans parade, but my husband talked a lieutenant in the local police department into joining us). I had a Zoom meeting/sectional with the trombone section of MYSO. I got some music, fun, and food into my day. I just wish I could have also had the nice weather from last week today! There’s always next time! Haha
The one thing that really helped over all others? Knowing that NO ONE is traveling. So many people are in the same club I am – the canceled trip club. It’s not a very fun club to be in, but it definitely makes me feel better knowing the trip was canceled to keep people safe and healthy, and that no one else is posting gorgeous vacation photos for me to be envious of! Anyone else miss out on travels?
Car Full of Harmony 
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