Dear Congregation and Friends of Tree of Life,

I am writing this letter to notify you all of my intention to resign my role as Music Director here at Tree of Life at the end of this summer. I have been applying to graduate programs in the hopes of resuming my education with the ultimate goal of completing a doctoral degree in period performance practice and music cognition. I am thrilled to announce that I have been accepted to my first choice school, the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, with a full ride and assistantship. While I am so excited about this opportunity and a wonderful new journey, it will be with great sadness that I will say goodbye to the community here at Tree of Life.

Shortly after I stepped into my position, I stated that I took a job, but found a family. I meant that and continue to mean it to this day. I have had so many wonderful experiences here at Tree of Life and cannot thank everyone enough for your warmth and beauty. I absolutely wish for the continued success of the Tree of Life community and will do everything I can in these coming months to assist in the transition to a new Music Director, so Tree of Life’s vibrant musical community can remain strong and robust.

All this said, I am not leaving just yet and am truly excited to continue on to bring innovative programming and exciting music to all of you over these next few months! Let’s keep growing and strengthening our community through music together!

With love,

Forrest Ransburg