Music, music, music

We recently participated in the ward talent show. I played the "Mom" and Alice and Elizabeth played the "daughters." I know, very difficult roles! I was reminding them to practice their music, so they mozy into a lack-luster rendition of a Mozart minuet. I retreat into the background, and seeing that "Mom's gone!" they launch into a couple of fiddle tunes. At my return, they switch back to the minuet, and finish it, with a final comment (and a wink) about how they really enjoy practicing. The audience liked it a lot!


At the same talent show, the Suzuki Mamas played. (And Kevin accompanied us on the piano, so technically, it was the Mamas and a Papa). Mercifully, there is no picture available. And I'm not going to share any audio of our rendition of "Song of the Wind". For those of you not familiar with the Suzuki literature, this is the third song. There are five of us in the ward who were willing to show how little we know (though we have tutored our kids who are now pretty good).


After doing the gig at the talent show, our group has decided to continue to meet weekly! (It's our adult Suzuki group lesson?!) Elizabeth says it isn't fair--our group is FUN. We practice our bow holds, and try to abolish pancake wrists, and strive for good tone. And we love it! Of course, there is a lot of chatting/playing, or chatting/chatting/playing, but we are improving. One of the moms has only been involved with Suzuki for 6 months, and I've been involved since Deborah was 5 years old. We all go home feeling relaxed and happy. (Stress-reduction is a part of being involved with music--unless you are performing!)

Then this week, Alice had her Festival performance for Cedar Falls Schools. Her accompanist, a UNI student, was not very proficient or used to accompanying. (I'm putting this as kindly as I can). She started before Alice did and didn't wait to let Alice catch up, so the first 8 measures were way out of sync, and she didn't know about the repeated sections. Alice was pretty flustered, though I'm sure the judge will take all that into account. It was still a good experience for Alice. She's only a 4th grader, and the Festival is typically for 5th-9th graders.