By Lou Chen

On Monday, I walked into my new office—and was greeted with a swag bag and festive balloons courtesy of INTEMPO bookkeeper Clara Londoño! It was the perfect welcome.

On Wednesday, I hosted a meet-and-greet with INTEMPO families. They asked me questions about what drew me to the job, my musical background, and my dog Josie. They also told me what they loved most about INTEMPO: our tight-knit community, openness to all music, and holistic support of their children.

On Thursday, I met Angie Durrell, the founding CEO of INTEMPO and all-around force of nature. We had coffee at the Barbie-pink Coco Cafe, where she gave me advice and encouragement.

On Friday, co-interim executive director Douglas Laustsen, board secretary Pam Heckel, and I attended our students’ ukulele performance at The Norwalk Art Space, with whom we have a blossoming partnership. Under the direction of TNAS music director Allegra Pin, they performed “Lava” from the Pixar short film, with INTEMPO choir instructor Sharon Jerry-Collins as the vocal soloist. Afterwards, I purchased a painting by TNAS resident artist Holly Danger. TNAS is a beautiful space: bright, open, and inviting. I can’t wait to come back.

Sunday was an especially busy day. I attended two concerts: the Norwalk Youth Symphony, then the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras. Four of our students are in NYS; another five in GCTYO. They performed pieces by four composers whom I’ve conducted before: Mozart, Schubert, Falla, and Dvořák. We are so grateful to be part of a larger network of music education organizations, working together to support our youth.

Thank you to the INTEMPO staff, board, students, families, and community partners for helping me get settled. Now on to week two!