In three weeks I'm turning 30. I'm not sure if this is excuse enough to get on my soapbox and share some life updates, but it's worth a try, right? Over the years I have met so many amazing folks who I have not been able to stay in contact with as I would have liked. Perhaps this post can serve as a way of reaching out or keeping in touch. :-) In July of 2021 I bought a property in Ignacio, CO. Although I did sell the CranVan soon thereafter, I'm still living creatively to keep things cost-effective. I drive a miniature Prius (Prius C) and my rural property is shared with a number of awesome tenants. Homeownership and property management has been a bumpy, complicated, but ultimately super-rewarding journey. The Four Corners is an exceptional place. I take great pride in benefitting from and contributing to the communities here. Although I live in Ignacio, CO, I spend most of my time going between there and Durango, CO, where I find most of my personal communities, and Aztec, NM, where I am continuing to build the choir program- more on that later. Here in the Four Corners we've got easy access to giant mountains, picture-perfect river and lakes, and numerous tight-knit communities of enthusiasts like myself. During the warmer months I run with Durango Running Club every Wednesday after work. We'll typically average about 1,000 vertical feet over 5-8 miles then share drinks and stories after. I work Music Festivals with iAM Music and the Music Masters several times each summer. I help set up the stage and audio equipment then scan patrons in the front door. I travel several times a year and routinely ride mountain bikes with a group of guys headed up by Chris, a local business owner and MTB racer. I feel lucky to have built close bonds with many of my music teacher colleagues, who I see for dinner parties, game nights, symphony performances, and lots of professional events through the school year. Durango is large enough to have a Wal-Mart and numerous grocery options, but small enough that you're virtually guaranteed to see someone you know most every time you go. Personally, this means the world to me. August marks the beginning of my fourth year with Aztec Municipal School District, where I serve as the choir director. As in, I am literally the only choir director in this fairly small district. I split my time between Koogler Middle School and Aztec High School and feel incredibly fortunate to benefit from super supportive admin, colleagues, community, and, of course, amazing students. Throughout the school year we coordinate with teachers and students from across the Four Corners (NM, AZ, UT, CO) area to create special lasting memories. Highlights of my time in Aztec include taking my students to Denver, CO, to participate in "Music in the Parks" at Elitch Gardens, starting the first-ever piano class offered at Aztec High School, and working with a brilliant student teacher who is now our High School Band Director and a close friend. At this point, I am going on eight years teaching. Since moving to Durango, I have consistently taught private piano lessons through the iAM Music Institute. In Spring of 2021 I taught adjunct at Fort Lewis College and served as the college supervisor for an aspiring music teacher. Some of y'all might be wondering about my best buddy since middle school, Spencer. Well, his wife, Alexandra, more-or-less introduced me to Durango when they moved here several years ago. She insisted, rightly, that I would absolutely love it. After we shared some time together here they ended up moving to Salt Lake City, UT. We visit each other several times a year. There are some other items that happened several years ago, but if we're commemorating 30 years, I should probably mention that I taught Elementary School Music in Colorado Springs for 4.5 years, I earned my Masters in Music at CSU in 2019, and finished the last of the 58 Colorado 14ers (mountains higher than 14,000') in 2019 as well. Oh, and I lived in a cargo van for four years. The 14er journey and van-build(s) are covered extensively in the blog below. Anyway, that pretty well sums it up. Thank you, dear reader, for bearing with me. I could not resist sharing some photos from the journey that led me to this incredible spot. I know this is exactly what you were hoping to see. Is is my birthday, remember??? :-) :-) :-) Before I sign-off, please reach out. I am always to hear from you, and I would love to host you at my place here if you want to see what the hype is about. Please feel free to contact me using my cell number, below. All the best, Paul E Cranfill (919) 454-0352 (above) - in 2019 I graduated CSU with my Masters in Music. Here I am with my beloved colleagues, Grace and Paul. (above) - In 2015 I summited Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. This 14,505' summit was the first of 60+ mountains over 14,000'. (above) - in 2013 was lucky enough to win the Appalachian State University Concerto Aria Competition. As a result I got to play with Dr. Chung Park and the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra. What an incredible joy and privilege! (above) - Senior Year of High School, in 2011, with (L to R): my high school choir director, Ed, my family, and my high school band director, Matt. (above) - I got to accompany and direct the choirs when I was a senior in high school. Thank you, Ed! (above) - Playing trumpet in high school with my buds: Jon, Adam, and David. (above) - I reckon this was from a Christmas Parade in high school, maybe sophomore year.
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