EL DORADO

October 23, 2024

EL DORADO

“When the Okies left Oklahoma and moved to California, they raised the average intelligence level in both states.” – Will Rogers

Hello everyone,

SENSE OF FREEDOM

I am trying to remember the last time I visited El Dorado County. Memory is a funny thing, isn't it?. I cannot remember the year; however, I can remember colors at sunset, I can also remember the flowers on the beautiful hills. The attractive views from all cardinal points used to take my breath away. I can certainly reproduce in my mind the fluffy clouds in the Spring, along with the dramatic contrast of colors in the Fall. The open spaces the County offers, gives you, no doubt, the sense of freedom.

Since the discovery that sparked the California Gold Rush took place in this region, the County is, understandably, an important historical landmark. The romanticize, but dramatic events of "exploring" the land, happened rather much the same through out California. The "miracle" of finding the precious, shiny metal on the banks of the river, marks the beginning of what it is call today as the "Gold Rush". The world, since then, wants a piece of California.

THE PERFECT PLACE

The many times I visited, the breathtaking panoramas reenergized the value of what being alive means to me. I dare say, El Dorado County is the perfect place to live. With all kinds of activities outdoors, it is a magical place where they DO have it all: River adventures, winter hiking trips, kayaking, perhaps, a hot air balloon ride in South Lake Tahoe, snow boarding and much more.

But, there is also a great presence of indoor activities: Art galleries, casinos, music concerts, exhibitions, theater, and the list goes on and on. However, my love for El Dorado is reinforce directly, from the fact that, for some time, I organized piano recitals with my students in a venue located, precisely, in the city of El Dorado Hills.

$70,000

Yes, it has been a while since I had a music performance there, but I'll never forget the music we performed, and the people that made it all possible. Tim Sigurdson for his unconditional support, and Steve Stokes for his fondness of music and people. Time flies, and in a blink of an eye, suddenly, with no warning, I find myself being 51 years old.

With nostalgia, but with a happy smile on my face, I am full of appreciation to all my students and their families' support. I'll be taken those memories with me to wherever I go. I would like to think, they too, will remember how much fun and excitement we created together. I am optimistic that life, treats them with complete kindness.

In one of those recitals, Steve allowed us to played in a $70,000 brand new baby grand piano. The same recital where Anthony, which was 6 years old at that time, cried inconsolably because he forgot his sheet music; however, at the end, that eventuality did not stop him from given us, one of the most memorable performances. I also recalled vividly Lisa’s presentation, playing fiercely and barefoot in front of the audience.

AN OUTLET

Being a piano teacher it has been an outstanding part of my life, that is why, I'm always mentioning my students and the music we made together. Albeit, it takes a lot of emotional energy to meet the daily expectations of being a piano teacher, it is all worth it, because, making music and meeting people from all walks of life, are suppose to be emotional activities.

I have gained an understanding that emotions must have an outlet, and composing comes to my rescue, it is the perfect and most logical escape. With El Dorado music piece, my intent was to capture some of the fresh atmosphere that I perceived on my visits to this beautiful California County, written in D Major, I am sure the melody will take you there.

THE SILENCE OF SILENT

I can still envision the beautiful sunsets, almost as if it was yesterday, and if I closed my eyes, my mind can reproduce the smell of the clear, fresh air of the mountains on my way to Placerville. Winter in El Dorado gave me the opportunity to observed quietness in nature, when snow was falling and gently landed on the trees, It's as if, I was experiencing the silence of silent.

Just the same, wether it was an outside piano recital on early Spring, or the peacefulness of a trip in the afternoon on Highway 50 on my way to Shingle Springs, I'd invite you to try and envision the landscape, closed your eyes as you listen to the music and cherish along with me.

Thanks for reading!

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