I just got done reading through the recent issue of The Double Reed and found all of the letters remembering the life of John Mack. I thought I would add mine to the mix…

I went to the John Mack Oboe Camp one year and I came away with a tip that has affected my life in a very profound way - both inside and outside of music. It is something I truly think about almost every day.

I actually went to the camp as an auditor - I didn’t play, I just watched. I was brand new to the oboe and although I had a lot to learn, I didn’t have a whole lot to contribute yet. So my teacher suggested I just show up and soak it all in.

Boy was that a good decision.

At one point in one of John Mack’s masterclasses he said something like this:

Accept the challenges, then figure out how to meet them.

For some reason, I remember that exact moment. And following that simple tip from Mr. Mack has attracted more joy and fulfillment into my life than I ever imagined possible.

Back when I decided to make a tape for the Gillet Oboe Competition, I was in my sophomore year at college. Boy was that a funky year.

I was in the middle of that funk where things you are working on with your teacher are beginning to affect your playing, but your old habits are still trying their best to hang on. The result can be the temporary onset of sheer torture. For me, it was a tough year. There were a lot of things that I simply needed to wade through.

I remember when I decided to send in my tape, I had no clue how I was going to prepare all of the repertoire.

I remember that year was a Bach sonata, Shinohara’s Obsession and the Dutilleux Oboe Sonata…

It was rough.

But I decided to do it anyway. I accepted the challenge and then I figured out the details.

Although I didn’t win the competition, (or even make it to a second round) the simple act of preparing all of that taught me more than I ever dreamed.

So thank you, Mr. Mack. I am fortunate to have gained from your wisdom.

Your words have added to my life in a way you will never know.