Happy New Year from team simonsen
SEEMS LIKE 2020 WAS A NEVER ENDING ROLLER COASTER.
2020 started with golf in Las Vegas and visiting some dear friends after a 8-hour sit-in standstill traffic on the 10. We had no idea what 2020 really had in store for us all. We could list all the gigs, festivals, records, and events that were thwarted by 2020 and the Coronavirus, but we all know that it was certainly a year unlike any other.
We were extremely thankful in 2020 to have close friends and close family in and around Los Angeles that helped us make it through the year. Big thanks to Lisa Carley and Sean Reed as they let us bunk in with them for most of 2020 and the full quarantine camp experience.
We moved in November, back into the Washington Blvd house, that’s the address on the postcard you received.
This year, we celebrated, we taught, we laughed, and we cried on Zoom.
In last year’s card, we said, “Looking forward to seeing more of our friends, hosting more parties, and having more fun.” This is certainly true when conditions permit. But until then, we’ll be safer at home and missing all of you.
Michelle finally started drawing, illustrating, and creating art professionally, aka “for real,” in addition to all her other activities, plus she Directs things at the Thornton School of Music. Walt played more golf than any year so far, learned how to cook (Thank You, Thomas Keller!), and brew beer, and Duple took more naps and ate more food.
Walt began a teaching job with California School of the Arts as the Wind Ensemble Director (and yes that is hard to do all online) and teaching the Jazz History course. Yes, he’s also still teaching trumpet lessons online (so, if you know someone who wants them, he’s got you covered).
So, there were a few things that came out alright in 2020 and certainly, we have hope for the future and 2021.
We basically are still reeling on a regular basis because Covid has put most of our industry in a standstill. However, we’ll keep smiling and keep being Team Simonsen.
Miss you all, stay safe, and please wear a mask!
Love, Walt & Michelle (& Duple)
