Merry Christmas! I realize my posts are staggered—but I have a valid excuse—no really, I do! Every so often my school/work/mommying (yes that’s a word…Google it!) responsibilities becomes a lot to juggle, and something is bound to give. Okay, enough with my valid justifications…on to the newsletter.
I have thought long and hard about this newsletter. These last couple of months have felt a little different, and I want the words I’m typing to be perfect.
As I read through what I have written, I am still not convinced that they will adequately express the depth of my emotion.
As I read through what I have written, I am still not convinced that they will adequately express the depth of my emotion.
October and November were filled with mainly school concerts—tis the season—and my daughter is in choir and band. If you know anything about me, you understand my passion for music and my desire to give every child the opportunity to experience the feeling of participating in music education. Our beautiful little area is filled with talented teachers who are bubbling over with musical enthusiasm, and it is a privilege to hear the artistic development that has taken place in my child. Just like all activities that transpire in our children’s lives, giving them the gift of music takes time, and it is a commitment. It takes time to drive them to events, and time to coax them to practice, there is time invested in persuading them to keep moving forward when they want to quit—but trust me—it is worth it! I’m going to share a little piece of wisdom with you; in fact, I’ve said it so many times at work that I am sure my co-workers are sick of hearing it. Several times a day I will hear a parent express concerns regarding their child “sticking with” their chosen instrument. My answer is always the same:
“You know, every day I hear adults say to me ‘I used to play piano, trumpet, flute…’ but not once have I had a person say, ‘I wish I didn’t play piano, trumpet, flute…’ there is never regret in learning… only regret in quitting.”
So, in this newsletter, I want to praise the people who have helped children press through their frustration of learning something new. I want to thank the parents who have taken the time to nurture a skill that, not only inspires their child, but it also allows them to (artistically) give to others for years to come.
One of the most excellent examples of this type of giving is in the life of Dorothy Dunkley, who is the matriarch of not only her own family but my work family as well. For a little over two and a half years, I have been thrilled to be a part of her legacy. I have only met her a couple of times, but I have developed an understanding of her kindness by listening to her children’s stories, through the stories shared by our customers and through the stories expressed by the talented musicians who have known her over the years. Sadly, on October 23rd, 2018 this amazing woman passed away. Since this day, I have thought a lot about her life. I knew I wanted to honor her somehow, so I will channel my inner “drummer boy” and give the only gift I have to offer— the gift of words.
A couple of months ago I met with a professor at Boise State University for a project in which I was working. We talked about music in our community, and he shared with me some thoughts he had regarding the benefits of music in a child’s life—It was a lovely visit. Then right before I left, he expressed how much he valued Dunkley Music, and explained that most people have no idea how much our area has benefited from the generosity of the Dunkley family. I won’t go into all the details here, but I assure you that Dorothy Dunkley and her family have poured themselves into keeping the arts alive and well. So, this is my meager attempt to sing her praises, not because I knew her intimately, but because I know the ripple effect that has taken place due to her life—and during this season of giving and gratitude, I am compelled to declare that I am just one more person who is honored to be a part of her story.
To some, Dunkley music is that store that used to be downtown that they “remember visiting as a child’.” What most people may not know is the rich heritage involved and specifically Dorothy’s contribution to Dunkley Music and how the company depended on her while her husband (William K. Dunkley) traveled selling pianos door-to-door. In a day and age where everyone is striving for equality and women empowerment, I think it is so important to give credit to the unsung heroes who have always seen the value of women. Even today I sit at my desk, looking around this beautiful store, a company that has been around for over 68 years, I cannot think of a time in its existence where equality, or lack thereof, was an issue. No longer located in that original downtown location, it is still evident that Dorothy’s influence and strength are weaved throughout, not only the building but through the leadership itself.
It is interesting to me how many women have leading roles at Dunkley Music. In this store, it is a woman who runs the band department, a woman who runs pro-audio and guitars, a woman who runs our receiving department, a woman who runs our business/accounting department, a woman who runs our marketing department, a woman who runs our instrument repair shop, a woman who runs our book orders department, and a woman who runs our school of music. I am so proud to be a part of this company, and not just because of how many women work with me. I am proud to be part of a company that embraces all people, from different walks of life and consistently pours back into their community. These values did not just float over the store in the form of magic fairy dust; they were carefully implemented and exampled from the top down. Moreover, if the apple does not fall far from the tree, I can thank Dorothy for raising her family in this way, and I am so blessed to work in an environment that is overflowing with people who continue to carry her mantle.
I encourage you to click the link below and listen to Dorothy share, in her own words, a little about her journey with Dunkley Music.
I encourage you to click the link below and listen to Dorothy share, in her own words, a little about her journey with Dunkley Music.
