Wynton Marsalis’s Commencement Speech
Posted by: christineforcoltrane on: June 28, 2009
Kindly read this magnificent commencement speech written by Wynton Marsalis. It is perfect to me.
His speech embodies the lessons I share with my students every year. As we go down the road less traveled we must remember to have courage “to sing our own unique song.” Wynton’s speech shares the importance of this and reminds us to have the courage to follow our bliss with integrity and commitment.
Wynton Marsalis is the Artistic Director at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Wynton sent over a fabulous jazz curriculum to use with my students. In addition, he sent over autographed books and CD’s last spring when my students raised funds for the Friends of the Coltrane Home. I must again thank Joanna Massey, Assistant Director of Education at Jazz at Lincoln Center for believing in me and understanding my vision and mission. Joanna went to Harvard University for her master’s degree and was also touched by the important work of Harvard’s Howard Gardner, Steve Seidel, and David Perkins. ~Joanna, I will be attending The Future of Learning Institute at Harvard this summer. When I return I will be sure to share the experience with you and my friends who click on my site.
Click here to download a PDF of the speech
“Remember, your song is the embodiment of your dream. The poetry of your life will be
in the way you live it…not with what you have, but what you do with what you have.
You see, part of being present is confronting the proverbial fork in the road consciously
aware that you have a choice, and that every choice determines what you will experience.
Every choice is a test of your insight, your intelligence, your feeling and, ultimately, your
courage.
Sometimes our dream, our song, requires us to make impractical decisions.
And as you make these decisions, it’s important to realize that you will shape your life to
your dream and the nature of life is internal.”~ Wynton Marsalis
