We're Moving

I've had some exciting news to share for awhile, but we've been keeping it a secret until this week.

Next month Jordan and I are moving to Pearland. I have accepted a new job as the assistant Orchestra Director at (D*O*B*I*E*) HS. We reached the decision to leave K*A*T*Y* after much discussion and prayer.

This new position gives us a number of exciting opportunities. (1) We will be closer to my side of the family (coincidetally we will be about 10 minutes from Hobby Airport, so you could say we're closer to both sides of the family.) (2) To teach alongside a good friend and colleague of mine. She and I have worked together over the past few years as we've helped with one another's programs. We have compatible personalities and contrasting specialties, so it will be good for both of us to work together with this program. (3) We will be much closer to Jordan's work. With Jordan working full time this summer, and full time permanently after graduation (Dec) it was apparent that her 60+ minute commute would not be a good thing long term.

The two schools (current and soon-to-be) are very similar in several ways: size, ethnic diversity, socio-economic mix and others I'll learn about as we go. One major difference is the Orchestra program. I am proud of the work that has been accomplished here over the last few years, and the thought of handing it over to another director causes me to feel protective and possessive.
The program at this new school, however, is historically very strong. This was one of the first schools in the state of Texas to have a full-time Orchestra teacher many years ago, and the past 15 years have seen a tremendous growth of the program and their role in the community. For that reason, it will feel quite different.

Our families have known that this was a possibility for some time, and they've kept it a secret up until now. My fellow directors have been good to keep the secret safe until the time was right to tell my kids. That time was Monday, after our end-of-year trip, concert and banquet. Each of these things are very special to our program, and tend to focus on the seniors who are leaving. I didn't want to change that pattern.

We're sad to leave our community. I have a wonderful job, we have a great church home, the best friends we could ask for, and we've enjoyed our time here. But, this is a good forward move for many reasons (listed above) and we look forward to plugging in to our new community/area.

For the out-of-town folks - we'll still be in the Houston area. In fact we'll be a short drive from Hobby Airport if you ever pass through.

* - I prefer for this blog post not to pop up in any google searches for either high school.