A holiday letter of gratitude...
When I was little, I would get off the school bus in December and come home to the sounds of holiday music, where the kitchen was filled with the aroma of mom's spaghetti cooking next to an overflowing cabinet of coloring books and puzzles waiting for me. I would be writing my own little songs and stories, in front of the heater next to the Christmas tree, dreaming of a day when I'd be able to stand on stage and share my heart with an audience.
We took field trips to The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in my hometown with my elementary school almost every December to see the Nutcracker, or some live music or performance. I knew from the time I was very young that I wanted to be on THAT stage.
Last night in Olympia, with my brother and sister beside me, I finally got that opportunity.
When dreams are answered, there's an accompanying surreal feeling. What would 8 year old Derik say right now? Were these really the same plush velvet emerald green seats I sat in all those years ago, now filled with 400+ of the very people who helped support me on my life's journey to this moment?
I want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for reading these posts, for supporting us from near and far, and for recognizing that success is not an overnight occurrence... it's decades of dreaming, practice, discipline, teamwork, music lessons, failures, heartbreak, perseverance, taking chances, luck, and hard work. Most importantly, it's the people who stand by you every step of the way who say "don't stop" "keep going" and "I see you, and believe in what you're doing."
Sunday, December 1st on stage at The Washington Center was a culminating moment for all three of us, performing on a magnificent stage and looking out at the faces of our teachers, mentors, longtime friends, family, and hometown fans who have been with us since the very beginning. It was a huge milestone, one we'll remember forever. (We even got to sign the backstage wall!)
Especially as Cultural Ambassadors to the United States, preparing for several countries of international work in 2020 and beyond, we ultimately recognize the privileges we have, the gratitude for the dreams realized, and the responsibility we have as artists and siblings to show the world our love. We hope that this finds you well, and that our music and voices may give YOU the courage to show the world YOUR love, too. Thank you for supporting us now, and for many years to come.
All the best this holiday season, from our family to yours,
Derik
P.S. did this email resonate with you? When you join our email list HERE you'll receive a free song download, right to your email inbox!