Parades - I Love Them!

Who doesn't love a great parade? I didn't realize how much work goes into the marching and the music until one of my daughters was preparing to participate in a parade down south. The marching practice, the uniforms, the memorization of the music. I was weary just watching the band practice! When it all comes together, the hard work is worthwhile and results in a fantastic parade. I really admire people who learn to play an instrument well and keep playing well into their 60's and 70's. Music is something a person can enjoy all of their life. I think I will keep practicing on my flute. Perhaps my brain cells will keep active longer and I will age gracefully.

How Many Instruments Does A Family Really Need?

As I post this latest entry, I realize that my house has been overrun by musical instruments! I am sorry to say, that I am too lazy to include a photo of our family collection of instruments. It started quite innocently with a Yamaha keyboard when my oldest daughter was around 6 years old. She was interested in taking piano lessons and we were not interested in making the financial committment of owning an upright piano. So, we purchased the keyboard, only to be persuaded into shopping a few years later for a real piano. Next came the band instruments, three flutes, two trombones and a partridge in a pear tree - just kidding! Actually, we also own a clarinet and somehow inherited an organ that my little sister used to play. Okay, okay, you are probably wondering where all these instruments are currently being stored. Well, we do have a "living room" that is our music room. It really is quite nice to hear music in the house, but I am wondering where all these instruments will eventually end up! I have to admit, that I was scared the other day, when my younger daughter stated that she was interested in taking up the trombone. Does this mean that we will be making yet another trip to the music store? Perhaps I can convince her to stick with the flute - she does play it so beautifully.

Flutes - What is in a name?

This year my younger daughter and I had the opportunity to learn to play the flute. Not an extraordinary thing for most people, but I am in my 40's and don't really have any music background. Of course my daughter who is 10, had no trouble learning, since she has been taking piano lessons since she was 4. I struggled with my note reading and really had to work hard to keep up with the rest of the beginners. This was no ordinary band that I was playing with....the standards and expectations were high. At one point I asked myself just what I thought that I was doing. Hey, I was a jock in high school and played sports! I wasn't a band geek!

Anyways, I did survive my ordeal and can happily report that I can now play the flute and really do enjoy it! My question though is this. Are there certain brand names of flutes that are superior? I bought a used Gemeinhardt, silver-plated flute. It was in decent shape, but then a flute teacher told me to buy anything but a Gemeinhardt. Does anyone have an opinion on this? Are Yamaha flutes better? Perhaps Gemeinhardt used to make great flutes and they gained a good reputation and now the quality is just not the same. I am really curious to know what brands of flutes are currently the best.

Piano Lessons !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do you keep your teenager interested in piano lessons? Okay, we bought the quality upright piano and we have a wonderful piano teacher. How can we motivate our oldest daughter to continue playing? Bribery may work......We could offer to buy our daughter a used car when she turns 16, if she agrees to continue with her lessons until she finishes high school. How about the punishment route? We could cancel her cellphone plan if she doesn't keep practicing. This could be a delicate situation. We want our daughter to l o v e playing the piano. Somehow her social life all of a sudden became very important and consistent piano practice sessions have fallen by the wayside. Ah, it is summer soon and then of course nothing will get done. I was a sneaky mother though, and registered my daughter for band camp! Perhaps the piano may sit idle for a few weeks, but her trombone will definitely see some action this summer. Call me crazy, but 2 months is just too long a break from music lessons.

Marching Band Day!

Wow, we were really excited when our band had the opportunity to march in a parade down south! My daughter looked great in her uniform, although she did complain a bit about the weight of her trombone. It was wonderful to see and hear our band march and play so well. This parade seemed to make all those kilometers of driving to band practice worthwhile - not to mention the cost of gas! My older daughter is considering purchasing a different trombone. Right now she plays a Bach Stadivarious tenor and would like to try a different trombone. Any suggestions? We would like to stick with the Bach brand, since my daughter hardly ever has to lubricate the slide. Her trombone works well, although it does need a tune-up.