Music in May

My family has a long history of music-lovers and instrument-players, on both my mom and dad's sides of the geneology page. I grew up listening to 40's tunes sung by Mom as she did housework, to old-time fiddle and guitar tunes at family gatherings of aunts and uncles in our living room, to the sometimes not-so-melodius sounds of my sister (clarinet)and brothers (trombone and cornet) as they practiced for highschool band. I have wonderful memories of Dad playing the guitar, and teaching all us kids to tune the guitar correctly to play the "Spanish Fandango" ( my brother still can do it, bless him). Dad also very capably played a beautiful black and white and silver accordian, which is still in the family. He and my brothers all played harmonicas, which every child should experience and have one to carry around in a back pocket. Nieces and nephews have carried on our muscial traditions, playing piano, banjo, guitar, violin, clarinet - and let's not forget the kazoo. You haven't lived until you've heard a kazoo ensemble.
With all that in mind, you can appreciate how happy I was when Carrie et al had the opportunity to "piano-sit" for a friend who needed a place to safely store it a few months while moving. The boys immediately started plinking around, and next thing we knew, Than and Collin were taking lessons - along with Grandma! Of course the piano had to go home at some point, then the decision had to be made - do we buy one? We all agreed, music was important, for many reasons. So once again the Wright Choice was made, and we have never regretted it.
A wonderful piano instructor is one of the keys to keeping boys interested in practice. It also helps when the boys themselves have a large musicality bump and begin to compose their own songs. At their very first recital, instructor Annie was thrilled to list in the program "premier performance of original composition" for both boys. Grandma was also listed, as "first time recital performance." I survived.

Recital is always in May, for Annie's students. Last week we enjoyed another music filled afternoon as about 20 of her students performed. Along with an assigned piece, Collin played his original composition "Fast Forward". Than played two pieces from his regular music.

Collin brings great intensity and verve to his music. He also loves to sing, and is developing a wonderful voice. Following in his dad's footsteps - Brent was in choir during highschool, to the state level. He's our music director at church right now.

Than places his music.

This kid is getting tall! Doesn't he look professional?

Trying for some "artsy" shots, it was hard to keep little noggins out of the frames!

With Lee playing guitar, the two older boys on piano, Amanda in the highschool band playing trumpet, french horn and flute, and Max absconding with Amanda's recorder (like a flute) to "play" whenever no one is looking, we are definately keeping our music heritage alive and well on the farm! Our family is blessed.