Long ago in ancient Rome, there was a bustling little town with a peculiar problem: travelers were constantly getting lost on the long, winding roads leading to the city. Though they were marvels of engineering, these roads looked strikingly similar, causing even the most experienced travelers to wander in circles like lost chickens.
This issue particularly vexed the town's governor, known for his love of order, efficiency, and somewhat eccentric sense of humor (much like myself). Determined to solve the navigation problem once and for all, he called a meeting with his top advisors, the town's mapmaker, and, for reasons unknown, the local cheese merchant.
After much debate, discussion, and excessive cheese sampling (the mayor believed cheese stimulated the brain), the mapmaker proposed placing large stone markers along the roads at regular intervals. These stones would indicate the distance traveled from the town center, making it easier for travelers to know exactly where they were and how far they had to go.
The first milestone was erected exactly one Roman mile from the town center. The mayor insisted on a grand unveiling ceremony, complete with a parade (so now we know who to blame for parades!), musicians, and an abundance of cheese. The stone itself was a sight to behold, carved with ornate Roman numerals and the face of the mayor, grinning proudly.
Travelers found the milestones incredibly helpful. No longer did they wander aimlessly, for they could now count the miles and navigate with ease. The clever invention spread throughout the Roman Empire, and other towns, cities, and countries began to adopt the practice, though they opted for less flamboyant designs.
As a Colonial Postmaster, Benjamin Franklin introduced the concept of milestones. He believed such a tool would keep postal riders on schedule and expedite mail delivery. As with all things Benjamin Franklin, the idea soon spread far and wide.
With our founding father's help, the concept and the term spread far and wide and eventually became synonymous as a significant marker along a literal and metaphorical journey.
As you read this newsletter, I am at such a point - a cheeseless but significant milestone.
Twenty years ago today, at 4:35 p.m., I stepped out of the classroom for the final time as a high school band director. Not knowing what the future would hold and fully embracing the possibility of failure (and return to a classroom), I left without any fanfare, celebration, or acknowledgment of my sixteen-plus years as a teacher and administrator. I turned in my keys, gathered my belongings, and walked out the band room door—something I regret to this day—not the leaving, but not celebrating the close of one journey and the starting of the next.
Twenty years later, I am pausing to acknowledge this milestone, knowing that many came before and will come after it. Today is one marker in a lifetime journey. A marker that validates my path, shows my progress, and points to the future. As with all milestones, today is not a destination but a journey.
Reflecting on these past two decades, I have always known that while I may have left the classroom, the classroom has never left me. The classroom has changed, but the mission remains the same: more music for more kids.
On this new pathway, the milestones are harder to find. There is no obvious beginning or end; students come and go, not every year but every day. It's also harder to measure progress, unless we are talking about nights in a hotel or frequent flier miles. The milestones are there. Nonetheless, I just stopped looking.
As you read this, some of you are marking significant milestones: new schools, new careers, new degrees, or being newly retired. While others will celebrate smaller ones: another year complete, a high score at contest, a growing program, or a million smiles made.
Regardless of what milestone you are marking, it's important to acknowledge and celebrate the milestones, memories, and lasting legacy you have created—not just the final one but each one along the way, big and small. Remember, the very purpose of a milestone is not to celebrate the end of the journey but to validate the pathway, demonstrate your progress, and show you there is more road to be traveled.
If you are celebrating a milestone, I want to know about it. It can be as small (I turned in attendance three straight days) or as large (I am retiring tomorrow) as you like. I want to celebrate you and the progress you made in your journey. Please don't be shy; tell me about your milestone and what makes it special to you. I want to not just celebrate you, but celebrate WITH you!
I have been thinking, and I don't know how I am going to celebrate my milestone, Maybe you don't know how you are going to celebrate yours either. So, if you have an idea for me, I might have an idea for you. If not, we can just connect and celebrate and figure it out together.
To foster that, you can use the button below to email me, call me at (480) 577-5264, or check my Zoom room. I am traveling but will sign on when possible - more so in the mid-afternoon and early evening.
I will respond to every email (but be patient). I don't want you to make the same mistake I made twenty years ago, not acknowledging each milestone.
Perhaps we can even share some cheese.
Why not?
Have a great week. As always, thank you for all that you do to fill our world and young people's lives with music.
Scott
p.s. I hope you have enjoyed the three months series "Why Not" With this being the end of the year, this will be my last email for a bit - I will return when you do! In the meantime, I hope to see you in person as I run around the country.