So what's the story Envoy?

[JohnnyVann]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lDFRYkQxMs

I've seen this video and heard it referred to on here several times but never heard the story. How did you end up playing drums for Pearl Jam?

[Phoenix Psaltery]

I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you.

So I'll let Envoy tell you his OWN self. ;)

P2

[Envoy Costagravas]

Frankly, I still get a bit embarrassed by the attention from this, but you can find the story here: An Unforgettable Day (http://www.microtonal.org/hold/un_day.html)

[Envoy Costagravas]

I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you.
Hehe... Which reminds me: I'm still a free-lance player, so I only get hired for the orchestra concerts when they need a fourth player (or more). They don't always hire very far in advance, and just yesterday I was confirmed to be taking part in the one-night concert, "The Music Of James Bond". This should be a lot of fun!

[Phoenix Psaltery]

Pearl Jam drum dynamo Matt Cameron was a teenager when he began studying here in 1979 with veteran San Diego Symphony percussionist Jon Szanto. Now, Cameron is giving drum lessons to his son, Ray, and some of Ray's fellow fifth grade students in Seattle, using techniques and books Szanto used to teach him.

What an incredible tribute to the excellent mentor Envoy clearly is. :)

P2

[JohnnyVann]

Awesome Envoy. Thanks! :thumbsup:

[clio]

that is so awesomly kewl! and its nice to see people not forget where they come from!
Speaks well for them as people!

[Envoy Costagravas]

My students have touched and enriched my life easily as much as I have theirs. To think that something goes forward makes you feel like you might have done something worthwhile with your life.

[Oryx Tempel]

Dude, you are the coolest. Seriously. :hug:

[Freya]

Frankly, I still get a bit embarrassed by the attention from this, but you can find the story here: An Unforgettable Day (http://www.microtonal.org/hold/un_day.html)

you shouldn't. it's way cool :thumbsup:

[Monna]

AMEN

[JohnnyVann]

This is still stuck in my brain

Envoy, you shouldn't feel embarrassed by this. This isn't the kind of Pride in the 7 Deadly Sins. You aren't proud of yourself, you are proud of some kid you mentored that became very successful.

The way I understand it is a long time ago you taught/trained/mentored a kid on drums. You made a difference to him so much that he stayed in contact with you. When he became successful and was able to pay you back he did by putting you on stage with his band.

That's awesome and wonderful and touching.

No, that's not a tear in my eye, there must have been a speck of dust blow in it or something...

















:crying:

[Asher Bertrand]

I agree. With all the words we have in this language, we're still a few short. "Pride" has been contaminated with ideas of being boastful and arrogant, when in fact it's only right to be proud of the good things one has accomplished. I hear people trip over the "pride" word all the time. Sometimes I suggest trying "satisfied" or "accomplished." But truth be told, "proud" really fits here, Envoy.

[Envoy Costagravas]

Well, thank you, Johnny and Asher, for continuing attention to this.

I don't know if it is my innate personality, or if it is (in part) a reaction against the hyper-egotistical nature of many 'artists' around us. I just try to accept these things with at least a modicum of humility: any of these good students could have wound up with some other teacher, and our paths would not have crossed.

Yes, I am proud, in the sense that together - student and I - we have created a trajectory for them that propelled their efforts in a positive direction. I insist that it is synergistic relationship, and that my work would not be the same if not for them. My pride, such as it is, is in recognition of the changed person during and at the end of our relationship. Those who still percuss retain a special place in my core, but my heart sings at the skills of many: the young man, tearing it up as a Special Fellow in Neurobiology at Stanford; the young woman who is Media Manager for Save the Children UK in Somalia/Namibia. These people are impacting lives in ways I could never dream of, and I simply stand in awe, and thank Graces that our lives connected at some point.

Shit, I'm gushing.

All of us can do this: all of us can touch other people. Do it.