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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

First coronet



Disclaimer:  post written by a tin eared grandma.

At the end of last semester Uncle Tom and I went to Laura’s band performance.  There are two bands in her elementary school, the Tuesday/Thursday and the Wednesday/Friday.  Each has sixty five or so members.  At the end of the performance the band teacher said we heard the group all playing the same note; next semester they will learn harmony.

Uncle Tom said that little girl plays a nice trumpet; with a little more direction she could be even better.  Now, Uncle Tom knows how music is made.  He played trumpet in his own high school band back in 1960-something and he never hesitated to send her back to replay the last ten minutes of her twenty minutes per evening of practice, or make a change in her breathing, or whatever one does to a trumpet.

For Christmas he gave her a music stand for practice.  “She sits on her bed, looking down at that music, and that’s no way to play a trumpet!”  So, every evening, after the dishes, we are treated to twenty minutes of trumpet notes floating down the stairs.  I enjoy it, and often can name the tune.  Sometimes Uncle Tom remarks on the music and goes up to make a correction.

Laura took some teasing at the supper table recently; apparently Emily and Hamilton, who also play musical instruments in the high school band, realized Laura has put in a lot of time on a single piece lately.  Uncle Tom cut off their teasing; even if Laura didn’t play a good little trumpet, she’s his favorite great niece. “Tell them what you’re doing, Laura.”

“I’m trying out for first coronet.”

Some time was spent explaining to grandma that a trumpet can play the coronet part.  Several little trumpet players were given the music and there will be a tryout soon.  The piece is called Snap, Crackle, Bop.

Hamilton teased Laura, she was challenging the other players.

“No I’m not; I’ll just play it the best.”

I told Laura it was admirable to strive to do her very best.

“Yes, Gramma.  I want to sit in first chair, too.”


19 comments:

  1. With that kind of determination she's guaranteed to succeed!

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  2. Doesn't matter what the motivation is, if it leads to more practicing!

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  3. First chair is quite an honor and something for which to strive and achieve. Second chair isn't bad either.

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  4. My youngest granddaughter started band this school year, 6th grade. She also plays the trumpet but I haven't heard her play.

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  5. We all start at the beginning. It's a very good place to start. 99% of musicians have to put in their elementary practice to get good enough to be listened to at any level. Hooray for Laura!

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  6. Hooray for Laura, indeed. My husband was a renowned jazz musician,..played a mean Cornet. (a coronet is a crown which Laura may wear if she gets to first chair.......or even if she doesn't.)

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    1. I have a new word! I looked it up; it appears to have more tube to be blowing through. More power to anyone who tackles an instrument. I failed piano--miserably.

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  7. I hope that all that work, by Laura and Uncle Tom, is rewarded. It is always nice to put siblings in their place too.

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  8. I don't know the difference between first chair and any other chair, but if there's a plate of beef casserole and mashed potatoes in front of it, I'm there.
    Well done Laura, I'm sure you will make first chair.

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  9. Snap crackle, bob, I love it and music is a great outlet and pursuit. congrats to Laura

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  10. Way to go, Laura!I love the trumpet, but in my day girls were not allowed to play it, so I'm thrilled that Laura is so keen.
    Jane x

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  11. Good luck to her.

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  12. awww i love this--one of my grandsons, plays the french horn but he missed his concert this year, he was sick :(

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  13. I admire anyone who can make music, not something I am good at.
    Merle.............

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  14. Well done to Laura and to Uncle Tom too for bringing out the best in your little family.

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  15. You must be so proud, Joanne. It's so wonderful to be able to play music. I hope my granddaughter is able to play an instrument someday.

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  16. A music education enriches a child's life in so many different ways.

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  17. What a determined girl! Good for her!

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