I played violin as a kid…well, played may be too generous a word.  I think “played” denotes some level of mastery.  When I practiced even my high level efforts sounded like a cat in heat…a really loud and frustrated cat.

My cousin was a violinist with the Philadelphia Philharmonic and my parents were hopeful that the brilliant musical genes ran through me as well.  Apparently, one of the family genes lost its way when it comes to me and the result has been my burden to bear – a complete absence of musical talent.  I dashed my parents’ hopes and dreams that I was a virtuoso very early on in the days of caterwauling (which I euphemistically called practice).

When Cheyenne said she wanted to play an instrument last year I too hoped that she had received the really good musical gene that had skipped past my generation.  When she decided on the viola I thought that maybe – just maybe – the family would produce another musician worth bragging about.

I was very excited when she finally started orchestra.  Alas, the orchestra instructors took it slow in the beginning.  It was many weeks before the kids could even use their bow.  Slowly but surely they worked the kids up to playing short songs.  I couldn’t always tell exactly what tune Cheyenne was playing at the outset, but over time the notes have been clearer and the tunes recognizable.

In her first orchestra concert in the fall I was amazed at how well all the sixth graders sounded together.  Together they made a very different sound than I had heard at home.  The entirety of that show was just shy of 30 minutes, but it was a hard-earned 30 minutes for both the kids and the teachers (having done many a show with kids before I know how much work goes into these type of performances).

Yesterday evening was their second performance.  This performance was a little bit over 30 minutes.  Of course I had an inkling of what was coming as I have been hearing the practice sessions at home.  I must say though, I had forgotten about how they sound when they are all together –  it is a much bigger and more impressive sound.

This concert they spiced it up a bit with a rock arrangement (We are the Champions and Another One Bites the Dust) and Lady Gaga’s song Bad Romance.  I have to say, having heard the practice efforts at home I was a tad concerned about how the sixth grade orchestra rendition of Lady Gaga’s song would play out.  God bless the orchestra teachers (Mrs. Dahl and Mrs. Larson) – they allowed one of the students to dress up like Gaga and gave her the appropriate star treatment which was great for some comic relief.  I thought if nothing else, the idea of inserting Gaga into the number was cute.

I must tell you – I was amazed at not only how well the kids did, but how much I loved the song in that format  – sans words and with all strings – it was truly beautiful.  I was so proud of Cheyenne for being part of that glorious sound and I understood finally why my parents so wanted me to play the violin…why they wanted me to part of a glorious sound.

If you hear me humming Bad Romance to myself has I meander down store aisles with a silly grin on my face – you will know why.  Cheyenne may never be in the Philharmonic, but the fact that she has had the opportunity to be part of such a beautiful collective effort is a powerful gift.

Support local school music programs folks…it is good for both the soul of the musician and the listener.  If you would have told me before last night that I would be moved by a sixth grade rendition of Bad Romance I would have thought you to be a bit mad.  Now I know better…what a wonderful reminder about the power of music. Thank you Mrs. Dahl and Mrs. Larson for all your hard work.  I can’t wait to see what you have planned for the next concert – no pressure! 😉

Day six hundred and ten of the new forty – obla di obla da

Ms. C