For a long time music had a pretty big part in my life. Enough that I majored in it my first two years in college. One of my regrets is that I haven’t really done much since, well, I changed my major. Sure, my kids have had the same musical toys as all kids do, a keyboard, some toy drums, recorders, and tiny xylophones, but really that’s it. We don’t just sit around talking about classical music and all of the different instruments used to play it.
The night before last, for whatever random reasoning occurs in the mind of a four year old, Allison was wishing that she had a Tuba. “It sure would be fun to have a tuba to play.”
I told her that it might be fun, but right now, she could fit inside of a tuba. I also told her that I had something called a trumpet and that it is sort of like a little tuba. I pulled it out of the closet and all three kiddos clamored for a chance to try it.
When it was Allison’s turn, she decided she wanted to be a marching tuba player (I can’t convince her that it’s called a trumpet). I told her she should just stay still for now, but I guess that didn’t sound very fun to her. She immediately marched into the wall. I don’t know if you’ve ever walked into something while holding a brass instrument, but man, it hurts*. It doesn’t seem to have made her not want to continue playing instruments though, because she has been asking to play the trumpet off and on the past two days.
Now that it’s out, I think I may keep it out and try playing it again. I have also figured out why my mom encouraged me to practice outside when I first started learning. I hope I don’t kill anyone’s ears.
I think that Cindy has mentioned that she has (and we were in band together), but did any of you play a musical instrument? Have you kept it up?
*yes, I am a klutz, why do you ask?
I played clarinet from 6th-11th grade. Bass Clarinet 9th grade concert season, Trumpet and Sax 10th grade concert season. Piano 12th grade. Also was in chorus 7th, 8th and 11th. Was in rifle corp briefly in 9th grade. My clarinet is in the closet I’ve taken it out a few times but for the most part I don’t like to because I’m horrible now.
I was really good in high school I even went to Tri-County band. I’ve always wanted to learn cello and guitar. JC played clarinet and drums.
I remember you comming to our house when we lived in the Country. The grown ups made you practice outside. You were sitting on the top of the cellar just tooting away. I do remember though the last summer Aunt Daisy was alive you were not able to come because you had a band camp or something to do with band. I remeber Aunt Daisy commenting on how proud she was of you. Hey, remember going to go see Amadaus(SP)?
I played alto sax 5th-12th grade, and then played it occasionally at church over the summer between Freshman and Sophomore year in college, but I honestly can’t remember the last time I touched one. I also took piano lessons, and used to be able to play large sections of Fur Elise and The Spinning Song from memory, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seriously sat down to play. I miss playing from time to time, but never enough to do anything about it.
You know, I recently sold my cello. The day I did it, I cried. I just don’t have the space or time to pick it up again. I do miss singing, but not enough to join any kind of choir. People will just have to suffer with me singing along to the radio.
i played the piano, but never really that well. i sang all through school and majored in music (voice) until I dropped out, and like you, hadn’t done anything since.. until this year! Found a choir and joined. It’s nice to have (official) music around again
Jocelyn has been enamored with James’ old guitar, so she’s getting a kiddie version for christmas. She also sings all the time. I mean ALL THE TIME. She has a pretty good ear
If you can convince a kid to play clairnet, I’ve got a nice wooden one languishing away in the closet. I played through middle school and high school and then almost never again (just the occasinal cat torture – heh)