Jun. 11, 2008 - The Joy of Music
Monday afternoon my oldest daughter played in her second ever band concert. In some ways it is unfortunate that this school has so many grades – and therefore so many bands. This year there were a high school band (grades 10-12), grade 9 band, grade 8 band and four grade 7 bands, plus a choir. To put all of these groups into a concert means that each one plays only one or two pieces. It is too bad for the kids because preparing for a concert is a Big Deal and it would be nice if they could play a bit more. But the teacher has little choice because of the varying levels of the different groups. In spite of this difficulty, they have a great concert each year.
This year they held their concert outdoors. The weather was iffy, but the rain held off until the concert was over. In addition to the weather, holding anything outdoors brings quite a few challenges. As you may have read in my report on our band’s recent outdoor performance, wind can present a huge challenge. The big W showed up in full force on this evening as well. The students held their music to the stands with clothes pins, but the teacher had some that was loose – and she had to retrieve it several times throughout the concert. Sound is another challenge when outdoors. Wind can affect where the sound travels, and how well, and it also makes noise in any microphones that are used.
But perhaps the biggest challenge is how informal an outdoor concert feels. This atmosphere seems to suppress in people any inclination toward concert protocol and even common courtesy. People were not disruptive, but there was always chatter. Small children (though not mine!) were allowed to run and play behind the crowd. And worst of all, many of the parents whose children had played before intermission, felt it was fine for them to leave at the intermission point. What a disappointment for those playing after intermission to have only half the already small crowd to play for! This, in my opinion, is simply rude, and adults ought to know better.
The students handled the challenges well. My daughter said her band didn’t play well, but what she felt was more the difficulty in playing and the frustration of making music sound good outdoors. To those listening, they sounded very good. Many of these kids are beginning musicians and they did great. The older band gave a good quality performance. My daughter’s band, which is somewhere in the middle, also played some very nice music. I wish the adults had done as well as the kids.
Those who left early missed the best treat of the afternoon. In the last few months the band teacher had put together a marching band. They practiced twice a week, after school, learning the marching routine and memorizing their music since there were no lyres to hold the music to their instruments. This is the reason the concert was held outside.
When all the other groups had finished we were asked to turn and face the other direction to enjoy the marching band’s routine. They formed up and on command they began. Their bass drummer had broken his wrist the day of their first practice, so he could not hold the instrument to march while playing, but he was positioned in the middle of the routine and stood to play for the others. The kids were great! They marched in step, did a very nice show, and their music was great. The sound carried – I could even hear the flutes!
As one would imagine, these are my proudest moments. When I hear the musical accomplishments of my children, my heart swells. It is, well, music to my ears. Music is in my blood, and it is thrilling to see it in my children. In spite of the logistical difficulties in driving two of them to a band class next year, it will be worth it. I am already looking forward to their Christmas concert when I will be there to listen to two of my children in their respective bands.
This summer we will be honouring my parents on their 50th wedding anniversary. One of the things they have passed on to us is their musical gifts. Mum said she wants to hear her grandchildren play at the anniversary gathering. I am so proud of my own children, I can only imagine how thrilling it is for them to see their love of music and their musical gifts passed on to the third generation. My children are blessed to have this musical heritage from both sides of the family. Where music and parenting meet – that is a wonderful place to be. And sitting here between the parents who fostered it in us and the children who are still reaping the benefits, well it just doesn’t get any better than this!
Comments
Jun. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Drake
So who does Victoria play with?
Jun. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by teabaglady
Assumption. I know the band teacher there through my band - she sits next to me. :-)
Jun. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jacqueline
I hadn't thought about the challenges associated with having a concert outside, but I can see now that there are many. Sounds like a great time inspite of the challenges.
Jun. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Victoria
Actually, that was my 6th concert... Three at camp, the Christmas one, Festival and then this one.
Jun. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Drake
Sweet! Assumption has a great music program!
