The Sound Of Music

You may not know it from reading my manic scribblings, but I am a patron of the arts. I enjoy attending concerts, have been known to frequent the theater and have even made significant donations to the world of dance, albeit the exotic world. Last night my devotion to the arts was significantly put to the test. I had to attend "Daughter's" first piano recital.

Anyone who has a child learning a musical instrument, or who plays one themselves, knows that it takes a lot of practice. I do not play any instruments. I have take lessons for everything from piano, to guitar , to zither, but I haven't been able to master any of them. I could make a reference to a certain flute, but that would be juvenile at best, and disgusting at worst. I believe that some people were given a gift that allows them to take the notes from a page and transform them into music. I am able to take random thoughts, and transform them into crazy ramblings. A talent yes, to me, more of a curse, but I digress. The process of learning an instrument is a long one with lots of mistakes, sour notes and frustration. As a parent, you get used to the cacophony of practice, but that doesn't mean you want to take it on the road.

"Daughter" had been practicing for the recital for a few weeks. I actually enjoyed listening to her master "Camp Town Races" and "Down in the Valley." She seemed to have everything down and was eager to go. About an hour before the recital, her nerves got the better of her and she was having second thoughts about performing, but being of hearty show biz stock, she sucked it up and bravely headed out.

I completely expected to hate the whole evening. I didn't hold out much hope when we arrived at the church where the recital was to be held. There was no A/C and it was a little warm. OK, I can deal with that. Then I saw the program. There were about 25 kids listed to perform and some of them, "Daughter" included, were doing two songs. I envisioned being trapped in piano hell for at least two hours. I wondered if "Wife" would allow me to nap after "Daughter" was done tinkling the ivories with her selections. Since I do enjoy napping in church, this seemed like the way to go.

Man, was I wrong. The whole thing took about 55 minutes. I had forgotten that a lot of the songs would be short. There were some missed notes, but overall it was fun. I know, I must be getting soft in my old age. It was funny to watch the expressions on the kids faces. They all looked so serious on their way to the piano. It was like watching "Dead Kid Walking." They had looks of terror and concentration the entire time they were playing, and as soon as they hit their last note, their whole body relaxed. "Daughter" did a great job. I hope she keeps playing. She seems to have inherited "Wife's " talent for music.

The night ended with us going for wings and getting to see the World Champion White Sox (HA! I got to write it again.) beat the Detroit Tigers. Music, wings and baseball, a true night of art appreciation. Later...Brian