We’re getting married!

In summer of 2022, Bill went to the conducting workshop at the University of Michigan and had an inspiring week working with Director of Bands, Michael Haithcock. On a whim, he reached out to Christi on Facebook, wanting to connect and knowing she had studied with Prof. Haithcock for three years. They quickly bonded over a mutual love of music and conducting and spent a few months building a friendship and getting to know each other. Bill visited Christi in Oregon for the first time over Thanksgiving Break and soon thereafter, they made their relationship official! They visited each other as often as they could, spending weekends in their respective cities or traveling to fun places like San Francisco, Portland, and Chicago for the Midwest Clinic. Goodbyes got more difficult over time, and after a year of knowing each other, they made the decision for Christi (and Jackson) to move down to Southern California to be with Bill (and Xena) in August of 2023. They experienced many firsts living together, including a California hurricane, hosting Thanksgiving dinner and making a Beef Wellington, Christmas with the Fa-La-La-La-Lundahls (Bill even got to play with the family band!), and MANY concerts and rehearsal swaps! They even started a community ensemble together- the Gold Wind Symphony, with Bill playing principal saxophone and Christi conducting. On March 17th, 2024 the Gold Wind Symphony had their inaugural concert. Christi was thrilled to know that so many of their friends and family would be in attendance (little did she know!) and was very excited to show off all of the hard work and talent of the members. After a wonderful performance, Executive Director Kevin Valentine was thanking the audience and handed the microphone to Bill, who had snuck up to the front of the stage. The following interaction took place after he motioned her over and took her hands: Bill- "You know I love you very much." Christi- [very suspicious] "What are you doing?" Bill- "I'm about to ask you to marry me." Christi- "Oh. Okay :)" Bill then proceeded to get down on one knee and the audience erupted (and a cymbal player even "crashed" their approval.) Christi gave an emphatic "yes!" and they shared a very special moment with friends, family, and music-lovers. It couldn't have been a more perfect evening for these two absolute nerds.