It may be a little early to admit this, but with just one day’s separation from our time together in the past six weeks, everyday things seem suddenly, somehow a little different. I know it’s better that we learn to be apart for now, but I just couldn’t help but tell you how I’ve been feeling.

I wanted to thank you first for the people you brought into my life. The staff and students made me feel over and over that I was part of something special and unique. It’s like we were the isotopes that produce nuclear reactions under ideal conditions, except that instead of isotopes we were people and instead of electricity and radiation we produced great music. You know, music and people both have the power to change the world and, when we focussed our efforts together, we were unstoppable.

Believe it or not, you were my first fling with a summer training program. I still can’t believe I put you off for so long. Your goal of bridging the gap between my schoolwork in music and my incipient professional career has been so helpful that it feels a bit one-sided considering that all I had to do for you was audition. I’ll never forget my first symphony performance with you, my first set of professional programme notes, even my first ever online blog. Ever since the day that you tumbled into my life, NYOC, you’ve shown me nothing but love. Now that it’s over, I can’t be sorry that we’re through but only glad that it happened.

The new experiences that you brought into my life didn’t just occur to me as events. They left their mark in terms of clarity and reaffirmation surrounding my love for music and what I believe in the bottom of my heart that I can do with it. What I really loved about you was how you always dared me to believe in myself when we were together. I looked forward to every day we spent hoping that I was able to return your generosity. Oh, NYOC, the intimate details of what we did are all over the papers and the internet, but please try to think of that as a small price to pay for the great times we shared.

When I looked up at the stars tonight, I couldn’t help but wonder if you were looking out and thinking exactly the same thing. I want you to know that my memories of you will always be a beacon for me of a time and place when things were just right.

It’s been a good run, NYOC. Thanks for everything.

Sincerely yours,

Alex