Thank you.
That’s what was going through my head all day on Thursday, February 13th! In fact, “thank you” is what has been in my head much of this season at Austin Classical Guitar. Well, when I think about it, “thank you” has been on my mind much of the last ten years at ACG as Executive Director!
I am overwhelmed by the kindness of my board and staff, and by the appreciation I have felt, heard and read from our supporters, teachers and students all year long. Most of all I am grateful for the opportunities our team here at ACG has had, and still has, to make change and meaning through music in our community.
Thursday, February 13th was particularly special because Austin’s Mayor, Lee Leffingwell, read a proclamation naming the day “Matthew Hinsley Day” as part of a Distinguished Service Award from the City of Austin on my tenth anniversary as Executive Director of ACG.
My wife, Glenda, was in the City Chambers, as was our Board Chair Kendal Gladish, our Nominating Committee Chair Carl Caricari and his wife Margaret Murray Miller, our immediate past Marketing Chair Molly Browning, ACG’s Director of Development April Long, and my dear friends Mike and Linda Light.
It was particularly special for me to join Mayor Leffingwell on this occasion, because the last time we were together was June 2010 on the Long Center stage when he gave a personal welcome to a sold-out crowd there to see the LA Guitar Quartet, Pepe Romero and the Austin Symphony on Saturday night of our Guitar Foundation of America international festival week “Austin Goes Classical”. He and I reminisced a bit about the festival before he read the proclamation.
In a wild coincidence, UT’s Cactus Cafe was also the subject of a proclamation that same evening. As soon as I entered the chambers I saw the core cactus team of Matt, Chris and Susan. The City was recognizing 35 years of The Cactus Cafe! Of course, not only do we have a regular series at the Cactus Cafe – but we actually had a show scheduled for that very evening, and I was performing along with dear friend, and ACG Insights instructor, Dr. Tom Echols!
So following the City proclamation, we went over to the University and prepared for Classical Cactus. It was a full house and Tom and I had a fantastic time. Here are a few wonderful photos from ACG’s marvelous photographer Arlen Nydam.
The service provided by Austin Classical Guitar is made possible by the work of so many dedicated people. We are truly a reflection of the values of our unique and creative community.
I am so touched by this wonderful gesture of appreciation, and I gratefully accept on behalf of our board, staff, volunteers and supporters who make Austin Classical Guitar everything that it is.