Dear Drew,
Thank you so much for our
pre-Christmas top-up of the beautiful music you unfailingly deliver
at Downtown Disney. As you know we have now seen you many,
many times and we always enjoy the wonder on the faces of young or
old of every race that hear you produce your magical notes. But
tonight was something very special indeed. Without ever meeting
young Gerhard, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, you had inspired this
child so much that he fulfilled a promise to his Mom to learn how to
play your signature song Con Te Partiro (Time To Say Goodbye.) His
reward was to be driven for three long days, through many states to
arrive in time to hear you play for the first time, live, tonight.
I know you play much of the time with your eyes closed but I hope
you were able to catch a glimpse of the awe and admiration on young
Gerhard’s face. He was spellbound, (as are we all,) and I know he
will be altered forever by this experience of a few days watching,
listening and learning from a master of his chosen instrument.
Drew, your performances are
always uplifting but what happened tonight was a truly wonderful
experience for all of us, so I would just like to say thank you
again and wish you a very very Happy Christmas. See you again
soon.
Love from Paul and Kathie, CA
Hi Drew. I was at Downtown Disney (DTD) and had the great pleasure of meeting you & listenting to
you play. I know you've probably heard this many many...many times
before, but you are a truly gifted and talented artist. Above that
you are very kind and personable to your many fans. That was evident
as I watched you autograph CDs and talk at length with those who
purchased them, including myself. Thank you so much for that. Often
those in the 'limelight' can be somewhat aloof and distant when
approached, but that doesn't seem to be your style, for sure. I
look forward to seeing you again at DTD. Just know that your music
is music that can sooth, touch, and excite our conscience. That at
least is my experience, and I'm sure the experience of all those
lucky enough to hear you play. - Clarke T., A New and Dedicated Fan!
Dear Drew,
I was in Disneyland for the whole week before Christmas (with my mother
and cousin) and I was so excited to discover that you were playing in
Downtown Disney! I do not know how to describe what happens when you
play but it seems that the music comes straight from your heart and soul
and it speaks directly to mine. It is so beautiful and emotional and
incredible. But I feel like my words are completely inadequate. Your
music is absolutely spellbinding and I feel as if I am transported to
another time and place. I listen to all your CDs before I go to bed,
when I am happy, when I need a lift, when I need soothing, or any time
for that matter. You have also gotten me more interested in classical
music and music history etc. I am a student at the University of
Washington, soon to be a grad student. I just wanted to thank you
for showing such warmth and caring to us. You are amazingly
talented yet very humble and incredibly loving and giving! God bless you
Drew and take care!
Stephanie H., Tacoma, WA
Drew, I met you last night - thank you so very much for your beautiful
music. I am serious when I say, I think you are truly the best
musician I have ever seen/heard! Being with Country
singer/songwriter Willie Nelson, I have seen and heard many fine
musicians. I played your CD and treasure it. I look
forward to seeing you next Sat. night
at Downtown Disney.
Sincerely, Connie Nelson, CA
Drew,
May I tell you how much your gift touched my soul. After seeing your
performance at the Downtown Disney venue I have been moved to tears, but
mostly inspired to open my eyes and appreciate the beauty God has placed
before us. That most certainly includes your gift. I get the
same feelings from hearing your music as I did when my fourth child was
born a year ago. Thank you for your years of dedication, and the
sacrifice you have to have made to achieve this level of ability.
May God richly bless you, and bring you to touch more people than ever
before.
David A Orange County, CA
Drew
You know every time that we come to see you perform, I look at the
people that come up to you to have their CDs autographed, and you can
see the admiration in their expressions, but there is a lot more to it
than that. Most people go through life hoping to witness a miracle
and never see one. They are constantly looking but not seeing.
The problem is, they seem to be looking for the traditional package of a
person with super healing powers or something else. That's not how
it is. They're there but in a different form. Don't they
realize that they are standing there in front of you and THIS IS THE
MIRACLE. I know there is so much more than just an entertainer playing
his music. The passion and gentle humility behind the music is
what so many people don't see. Thank you so much for giving of
yourself in this way. GOD BLESS YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER,
Larry and Sylvia Sherman Oaks, CA
Dear Drew,
I hope this
poem can show you
just how much your music has effect me. God bless you....
JC Bertot
Drew,
I shall take my new love of your music with me as I travel down the road
to Seattle this evening. The world of Disney...and all the magic and
wonder it possesses is a fitting place to share your spirit with the
world. Take care.... -Beth- Spokane, WA
Mr. Tretick,
Last weekend, my friend James and I came to Disneyland. We've both been
several times, and this time seemed to be just the same as any other-
same rides, same busy crowds. We decided to walk through Downtown
Disney... and heard violin music playing. I thought it was recorded
music being piped through the P.A.- and that's when we saw you. You
were in the middle of "Time to Say Goodbye" and suddenly we couldn't
move- you were so beautiful. Although music has always been a big part
of my life, I had never really had much appreciation for violin. I
suppose I just never had experienced violin the same as when you
performed. James hadn't heard "Goodbye" before. I'm glad he got to
hear it first from you. Thank you for sharing your magic with us.
Shawna California
Dear Drew,
Last night my Aunt Charlotte and I met you and watched you perform at
Downtown Disney. It was an experience watching you put your heart and
soul into your music and playing. They need to book you at the
Hollywood Bowl. With your music and their acoustics, that would be a
concert God Himself wouldn't want to miss. Good luck to you in all of
your endeavors and hopefully we will see you again soon at Downtown
Disney.
Kerri Lynn A. California
Mr. Tretick,
I met you breifly this summer at Downtown Disney in California. At that
point I spoke to you about my profession as a teacher of special needs.
Upon return to Houston I brought your CD's to my classroom to play for
my children. I don't think I ever heard them listen so intently. I
have one little girl who has servere disabilities and she heard your
music and not only did it calm and sooth her, but it brought a beautiful
smile to her face. I have never seen her so . . .well at peace. Thank
you again for your music, it touches the heart and soul of not just
myself, but the students that I teach.
Sheri S., Texas
Dear Drew:
Every now and then I am reminded that you are out there busy making the
world a better place to be in with your passion for the violin.
This is because every so often I get a phone
call from a mom who says to me, "My little boy
saw this wonderful young man playing the violin on the street
when we went to Disneyland and he just can't stop talking about
the violin. Do you take 3 year olds?"
Thank you again and again every time this happens. Please realize what
an impression you are making on the hearts and
minds of these young and impressionable
souls. I feel I should write you and thank you every
time I get a call like this from
someone's mom. It is not easy being a 6 year old boy who plays the violin when very few
of your friends play a musical instrument. Whenever one of my older
students needs some affordable inspiration I
tell their parents to come by Downtown Disneyland to see and hear you. You have been such a wonderful role
model by allowing yourself to be approachable.
I am also pleased to see that you are doing some of your own community
service activities for children. Once again you outdo yourself
in the area of musical citizenship.
Our older students have started playing Christmas
Carols at local Irvine food courts to raise funds for
www.Musicalangels.com
The donations will go to CHOC. I appreciate your leadership and
your example that music can be a healing force in the world.
I love having a role model that I can point out to our students right
here in O.C.
A grateful Suzuki Violin teacher at
www.got2twinkle.com
Dear Drew:
My wife, Jennifer, and I spent the day at Disneyland in celebration of
our 21st anniversary. Of all the glorious and wonderful things there, I
have to say listening to you in Downtown Disney, and being to speak to
you for a short time was the absolute highlight of our anniversary.
Your beautiful talent with the violin was enhanced by your willingness
to offer us words of encouragement. Thank you for making this trip to
the "happiest place on earth", just that.
Philip and Jennifer D. Redlands, CA
Subject: Thank you for your beautiful music!
Dear Drew,
From the first moment I listened to your music I
loved it! I brought my CD to work so that I could enjoy it while I
worked and Christina, one of my co-workers, said she loved it and was
wondering if I could possibly purchase one for her but Arita had purchased
extra CDs for Christmas presents and still had one left so she gave it to
Christina. Christina is a young woman who has a niece named Rebecca
who is a very ill little girl and has a very strange and painful illness.
One day Rebecca was having an extremely difficult day and would not stop
crying. Christina, not knowing what to do, played your CD and almost
immediately Rebecca stopped crying. Rebecca listens to your
comforting music every day since that day and has made her pain and
discomfort more bearable. I thought that you would enjoy knowing
that your music brings peace to a little angel on earth.
Sincerely yours, Ara I. Los Angeles, CA
Drew,
My wife and I would like to thank you for your beautiful music which is indeed, a gift from God.
Every time we listen to
your arrangements and the way you disclose your feelings, it fills us with
joy. My wife and I were at Disneyland on the 25th and we all took a
picture together. I will be sending you a
copy later. Thank God for people like you who inspire others on true
values of
the spirit. God bless you always, Drew.
Best Regards, Max & Yvonne San Diego, CA
Hello!
Recently, my Father-In-Law, Brother-In-Law and their family went to
Disneyland for a vacation. There, they were
able to listen to Drew's music and also speak with him. They were
amazed by his talent, his approachability and kindness. Needless to
say, they purchased what CD's they could find of Drew's music.
Since purchasing the CD's,
every time
we've visited it is being played. I can see that Drew has made a
lasting impression on my family, and it is appreciated. I needed to
let you know that the music I heard was among the most beautiful and
emotion-filled I'd ever heard. Thank you for taking the time to read
this, as I just wanted to thank Drew for bringing such musical awe and joy
into my family!
Melanie O.
Chico, CA
Dear Drew,
I just arrived last evening from Anaheim, after spending 4 days at The
Disneyland Hotel. We put together this trip for my 21 year
old son, who just joined the Navy this last May
due to the world events. Now he is off
to Japan for 3 years, and the only thing he wanted to do before he
flies out tonight is to go to Disneyland one
last time. Well, the highlight of our trip
was spending our evenings in downtown Disney listening to Drew
Tretick. You are awesome, in fact I'm listening to your CD as
I am writing this e-mail. Your music is
so uplifting, and listening to you in person was
the perfect way to spend time with our Son before he is off to Japan.
In fact he will be taking your Romantica CD with him
(I'm sure the Sailors on the Kitty
Hawk will enjoy it also). Thank you so much for blessing our
last vacation with our Son for a long while with the gift of your
music. I know I'll be checking in on your
schedule on your website so that I may
keep up with your career. Thanks again.
Respectfully, Debbie J.
Santa Clara, CA
Dear Mr. Tretick,
I was at the right place (Venetian at Las Vegas)
at the right time (11:40 - midnight on February 15) and heard you play the
violin. You are a reason I would return to Las Vegas! Please feel
free to forward this email to the Venetian.
Sincerely, George E.
Arroyo Grande, CA
Dear Drew:
My husband and I just returned to Kentucky from a trip to Las Vegas. We
stayed at the Venetian Hotel where you were performing. You were the
highlight of our 5 night stay when we had the privilege of meeting you and
being introduced to your beautiful music. We were both mesmerized along
with everyone who was present. I have been
listening to both Serenata and Romantica CD's all day and can't seem to
get enough. Your music deeply touches my heart and makes me feel God is
very much present. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful gift
of music and for being so personable to each of your fans. When it was our
turn for you to meet us and autograph our CD's, you gave us the feeling
that we were the only ones in that room. We are looking forward to seeing
you in concert soon and plan to follow your schedule. Please come to
Louisville!! Jackie and Bob C.
Hi Drew,
Two weeks ago I had the most wonderful experience
of my life, and that was to be introduced to you and your beautiful music
by my friend. She insisted that I come to Downtown Disney and listen
to a very talented young man playing the violin. He captivated her
attention as well as all those who stopped to listen. I cannot begin
to tell you how your music makes me feel. It is as if God is
speaking to me through you. As I listen and watch you play to your
captive audience, I see you play with such passion and emotion. It
has become so personal and so healing to my soul. As I watch you
sign autographs I see how involved you get with the guests. This
is so wonderfully touching. Since I don't feel well much of the time and
hardly get out, I am so grateful to my friend for insisting that I make
the effort, and to you for being so charming, personable and gifted.
Thank You for sharing all your gifts. I look forward to many more of
you concerts and cd's. Your fan and friend, Linda
M., Orange, CA
Dear Drew Tretick,
The night of July 9th became one of the most
unforgettable nights for me in my life. To tell the truth, I obeyed
my daughter's insistence and went to The Disneyland Resort.
It was my great pleasure to have shared the
space and the time with you all that day. I return to Japan
yesterday, I would hope you will let me know the next opportunity if
you're planning to have a concert in Japan again.
With
love, Hiroko
Japan
I recently purchased the Romantica CD and I am moved and touched by this
hauntingly beautiful music. I listen to it constantly and am enraptured by
its beauty. Drew Tretick must be touched by the hand of God
to be able to give us this beautifully
passionate music. I will look forward to seeing
more music produced by this talented young man.
Your music is so moving and passionate and is hauntingly beautiful. I feel
the heart and soul that goes into every chord. It is so lovely.
I play your CD constantly and the music stays with me long afterwards.
Christine E., CA
I am now an admirer of Drew Tretick's great artistry after happening upon
his performance at Downtown Disney (the highlight of our trip). His music
is of the highest order, and I have seen the very best. I suggest
visiting his website to see and hear all of his albums at www.goviolin.com. There is
much to read and you can learn a great deal about him. I learned
that his first album was Zetaman Improvizeta, which was an innovative solo
concert showcasing the electronic violin. He is an internationally
recognized genius with this instrument, and this album is an inspiration
to young violinists, whom upon listening take a more keen interest in the
possibilities of the violin's future. After Improvizeta, he released
the Romantica CD which was used by Olympic skaters. His version of
"Time to Say Goodbye" is the most moving interpretation I have heard from
any artist. Recently he released an equally, or even more deeply
moving album called Serenata. I noticed another reviewer here
purchased Improvizeta after the Romantica CD. Improvizeta came first
and shows the style he was developing... which in Romantica it came all
together. Improvizeta was recorded before a live audience with no
prerecorded tracks. How he does this is simply amazing. You
will hear nothing like it, period. The Romantica and his new
Serenata CD are the best CDs I have ever purchased and we never tire of
playing them day after day. The Romantica album even has two videos
included on the CD! A world class artist, and you can watch him
perform on your computer screen. When we saw him perform at Downtown
Disney we were absolutely moved to tears. I have only seen such
artistry a couple times in my life seeing the three tenors and maybe one
or two other artists with so much passion and beauty. This is an
artist no person should miss seeing in their lifetime. To see him
live is an uplifting and magical experience. I applaud Disney for
finding and bringing his rare, pure gift to so many visitors from around
the world. I will be back to hear this young man again, no matter
how far I must travel. Tom R., Chicago, IL
Dear DREW TRETICK
Thank you for your wonderful music CD and
video CD AUG24 and an autograph in downtown DISNEY. I had
traveled in America for 7 days. I came return by 8 days ago. Last year I studied violin
at a SUZUKI VIOLIN SCHOOL now I studying
electric violin for oneself. I have learned the sounds using your CD! I hope I will
get a chance to listen your live music again! Your fan N. Keisuke from Japan
Subject: Magnificent!!!!!
Hi Drew,
You have created another masterpiece with your new album Serenata!
First, I would like to say I never write or call anyone about a service or
item unless it unbelievably great or bad.
In your case it is not the latter. I was so moved by your new CD that
I had to share my
story and thoughts with you. I was driving to work this
morning and put in your new CD Serenata. After I listened to
Somewhere in Time (which happens to be one of my
favorite songs you play) four times I though I
would venture to the next track. I was driving along and I came to a
stop light and was thinking I always love your music when I close my
eyes and can concentrate on every beautiful note
you play. The next think I new someone was honking at me to go. I did not realize I had closed my eyes or that the
light had changed. I opened my eyes and
realized tears were running down my face. I
was so moved and touched by your music! I just wanted to thank you
for the wonderful gift you gave me this morning. You put my soul at
rest and made my spirits soar.
I am listening to your CD as I am writing you this email.
All I can think of is that I would like to be
home and close my eyes. When I close my eyes and turn
up your music I can enjoy every wonderful soulful note you
play.
I am also able to envision you playing with a
passion that few people every experience in
life! I know you are grateful for your
God given talents... just as I am sure you know that anyone that has ever listened to your music is grateful.
There is nothing left to say but THANK YOU and BRAVO!!!!!
Debbie Powell-E., Irvine, CA
Dear Drew Tretick,
I love to listen to your music very, very much.
Your music really brings me joy and make me enjoy music.
Jessey Le Dong P.,
Ho
Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Dear Drew,
Once again, I was fortunate enough to attend one
of your concerts (this time at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda). I
am always so moved by your music and come away thinking that a talent such
as yours is truly touched by the hands of God. Thank you for your lovely,
passionate and movingly beautiful work. I am looking forward to your
next CD and all those that follow.
Sincerely, Christine E., CA
Drew,
I heard your music while you were playing at Disneyland. I am the Inn
keeper from Ashland Oregon that was with the developmentally disabled man.
As I told you then, your music touched my soul and I now enjoy your CD's
every time I get in my car. Keep on
playing, knowing that you are touching lives.
As I said then, I have an Inn in Ashland, Oregon. If you ever
would like to just get away for a few days or a week. I would love
to host you. Your music means so much to me, that that is my way of
saying thanks. So if you ever want to hide a way from the world,
come be my guest. Bring your violin, you can practice in my garden.
Duane S., Ashland, OR
Hi Drew,
I met you while you were performing at Downtown Disney. I purchased your
Romantica CD because it contained two of my favorite pieces. "Time to say
goodbye" and "Pachelbel Canon". I listened to the cd the next day while I
was home, and your music just moved me. I have always looked for cds
of violin collection, have found a few good ones, but none have touched me
like yours has. I am sorry that I have never discovered your talent and
music before. But now that I have, I will be sure to get your other cds. I
will remember your name from this day forth. I look forward to seeing one
of your up coming concerts. God Bless. Jerry G., CA
Dear Drew,
I just wanted to say that your music really touched me and made me forget
for a few moments where I really was! It transcended me to another
place, so peaceful and inspirational!
Sincerely, Carmen P., Garden Grove, CA
I
can't get enough.... I
cried the first time I heard you and your cd
still makes me cry... why is that...
why is it that it sparks such emotion ?
Andra L., San Diego, CA
Dear Mr. Tretick,
My name is Michele. I live in Eugene, Oregon. I was on
vacation when I first saw you playing at Universal Studios. I cried tears
and you smiled! Your music was overwhelming beautiful. I
listened for quite awhile and have to say, that moment was the highlight
of our vacation this summer. I am so deeply impressed.
I brought your CD home to Eugene and played it for my family and friends
at work. They all loved it so much that we play the CD over
and over again all day at work in a Urology Office. We don't bother
to change to a different CD at all. I also played it for my Father
last week for Father's Day. We sat up on his "hill" over looking the
lake and listened as we watched the sun go down through the trees.
He just kept saying over and over, "This young man is talented, this is
beautiful, how can I get one of these CD's?" His birthday is
next week. He is 78 and is in poor health, but a strong, old retired
Lt. Col. from the Air Force. It was
wonderful to see his soft side! I am going to order him some CD's
from your website to give as gifts to my friends and family. Thank
you for sharing your wonderful gift! In Eugene we have the
most beautiful fine arts center called the Hult Center. I
guarantee your satisfaction as this would be one of the most beautiful
places you would ever be! Please check into it! Not to
mention, Oregon is just beautiful anyway! Thank you once
again. You have truly given me a beautiful gift with your music, and
it is wonderful how I can share it with everyone. Thank you
again, Michele. Eugene, OR
Quotes:
"Drew's artistry is unique,
passionate and resides deep within me. I am around music all
day and must say, his music is of the best. I support the work
he is doing. To watch his passion in person, is an equally
profound experience. I am sure you have noticed how he has the
ability to bring a tear to one's eye. Each time I listen in a
quiet space, it does this to me. There is an integrity to his
playing, that allows the space to react and be a part of his musical
experience. While I know I am the one reacting, his music is
the vehicle for producing the intended result. Many of the
people I play his CD for have similar experiences. A celebrity
who visits the station has told me 'What I feel is so private and
personal.' I completely understand. His music... it's
gorgeous, so passionate."
- Don Magner, KPFK FM Los Angeles
"Moving
Music"
- Michael Baker, LA
Daily News "The warmth and sensitive nature of his playing
wraps you into his world and holds you there until the last note is
played."
- Dick Bolks, arranger to Natalie Cole
and vocal recording artist
"You are a unique, totally
original beautiful artist. The music you are making is so beautiful...
really moving."
-
Ross Harbaugh, University of Miami, Florida
"Drew Tretick performs with the electric violin and reveals it as a
brilliant performing instrument! You won't believe your ears...
you've got to hear it!"
- Darol Anger, founder of the Turtle
Island String Quartet
"Drew Tretick, with
his knack for violin synthesis in combination with his original music for
solo violin, is great and outrageous!"
-
Mark O'Connor,
violinist and composer
"Drew Tretick's performance was electrifying and
it lifted the Suzuki Workshop to a meteoric level!"
- Stacey Mason, Executive Director, Troy
Michigan Suzuki Workshop
"Drew
Tretick is extraordinarily gifted in a number of ways. Not only is
he a virtuoso violinist and violist comfortable in playing and improvising
in a variety of different idioms, he is also a technological genius who
has fused these talents together to create an entirely new approach to
improvising on the electronic violin. His
capacity is beyond that of anyone I know in these areas and I recommend
giving this recording [Improvizeta] a listen."
- Matt Glaser,
Chairman of Strings, Berklee College of Music, Boston
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