- I have a job.
- I have a job for which I trained for most of my life.
- I have a job that I love.
- That Carlos Kalmar is our music director.
- That Elaine Calder is our president.
- That we have a terrific staff that breaks their backs for us on a daily basis.
- That Portland, Oregon is a wonderful place to live that also supports the arts in all its forms.
- Our legions of Oregon Symphony fans, of all ages and income levels, that come out to see our concerts.
- My 77 colleagues in the OSO, who all inspire, challenge, and make great music with me every day.
- Everyone else who puts the music first, and performs with integrity, passion, and focus.
And my two bonus things that I’m thankful for: my wife Heather Blackburn, with whom I get to play chamber music not quite often enough; and my colleagues in the Arnica String Quartet, who make the greatest music in the world a joy to explore.