<HTML> <HEAD> <TITLE>Rochester: first thoughts</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> Friends---- Just back from the East Coast, back in the maelstrom of “real life,” and have so many thoughts feelings, and reflections about the conference; had a great, deep experience in a lot of ways. Perhaps the most meaningful, the most joyous thing was connecting in a real, personal, caring way with some people I’d never had the pleasure of meeting before----Jon Page, Greg Newell, Nick Gravagne, Peg Browne, Ron Overs, David Hughes, Jude Reveley, Debbie Legg, Starr Taylor, Roland Kaplan, Melanie Brooks, Mike Lipnicki, Jared from Bermuda, so many more.  Also, reconnecting and deepening what was already there with Chris Robinson, Ron Nossaman, Don Mannino,  Mary Cushing Smith, Fenton Murray, Stan Ryberg---you ARE the man, my brother---LaRoy Edwards, Wally Brooks, Dennis Erwin, Joe Garrett, Ferd Pointer, Jurgen Goering, Ulrich from Berlin....and on and on. Huge thanks and appreciation to Dale Erwin, my true friend, colleague, and collaborator. You are the best. Massive respect and props to Rick Florence, the Institute Director.  He fought the power and took the bullets in his chest so you guys could have the Rebuilder’s Gallery and all the hands-on classes.  He did an amazing, one-of-a-kind job.  He will always have my respect and admiration. Thanks and all love and respect to Roger Jolly; your snarly/cranky/arrogant/rogue persona masks a brilliant, brilliant technician and a huge heart of gold. O captain, my captain....  :---) This was a real magical Conference; I’m not missing another one; I loved being ensconced in a complete piano bubble for a week. The best working vacation. David Andersen P.S. TRULY sorry I missed the Pianotech gathering on Saturday; I was overbooked and frazzled...next time, the beer is on me. </BODY> </HTML>