Much is being discovered and written about the series of parcel bomb attacks in Austin, Texas. Local and federal authorities are poring over forensic evidence and victims’ histories and relationships in an effort to determine the perpetrator(s) and motive.
Whether the motivation for these crimes was personal, racial or something we have yet to imagine, the costs of these terrible attacks are just beginning to become clear.
News reports today identify one of Monday’s victims as a “high-schooler.” Draylen Mason was a lot more that that.
An honor student at East Austin College Prep, Mason was a gifted and dedicated performer and composer, whom all expected would become a force in classical music. A member of the Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Austin Youth Orchestra and Austin Soundwaves, he was deeply respected by his peers, teachers and classical music listeners in the Texas capital.
Here is a performance of the ensemble Hear No Evil, performing Mason’s composition “Hell Fire” in July of last year:
And here is Mason himself, performing the first movement from Vanhal’s Concerto for Double Bass:
In a moment, this remarkable young man, and all the music he had to give the world, was erased by the someone whose only song was hate.
May his family and all those who knew and admired him somehow find something like peace.
May we all, for that matter.