Response to Macklin Paper on Holland-Comment not posting

I agree with you that Mr. Holland was very modern and existed in a space of his own. Part of that feeling came to me when he explained his relationship with his hometown-Flint, MI. He said that he had a deep connection to the place but had left for school, only returning intermittently throughout the years. I think that sense of a home lost bled into his music, where he felt it necessary to explore new forms of presentation and took active risks. His experience writing for the Tree Ring group was one of these. He's composing for a group he initially did not know, the same way Flint was unknown to him as he took a turn off the exit and entered the town again (I remember how he remarked that whole neighborhoods were void of people save for two or three houses). Then, instead of turning away, he stays in that uncomfortable space and goes forward. I thought he presented his work subtly and with an open line for discussion. My favorite part of his lecture was this recollection of Flint's meaning to him, as I felt it brought the whole essence of the presentation together. I don't know if I had a least favorite part, he was very cohesive in my estimation.

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