I never had any interest in band when I was going through school. Who on earth wants to play the trumpet? Lame.
Very few of my friends were in band… matter of fact, I can only recall 2. (Yes, one of them was you Joe Bailey!)
Band was for nerds. At least that’s the preconceived notion that my genius 12-16 year old self thought, when I did stop to think about the people in band. Ugghhh, it’s amazing I didn’t get in more fights. Strike that, it’s amazing I wasn’t punched in the face more often.
It would take 15 years and a thousand (plus one) lessons from my broken mold, oldest daughter before I would ever begin to see…
Hailey is (to say the least) a challenge for me. She’s brilliant, yet lazy. She’s gifted, yet absent-minded. AND…. She is a hobby jumper. By hobby jumper I mean she’s the HIGHLANDER of hobbies. She’s done ballet, tap dancing, gymnastics, soccer, softball, rock climbing, art classes and cheerleading. She’s excelled at all of them (except soccer, I don’t think she really “got” soccer). Anyway… When she started her 6th grade year it didn’t take her long before coming at me with a request to join the band.
Cheerleader to band member broke all the links in my head as I tried to comprehend just where exactly this kiddo fit in the spectrum of insult throwing dysfunction of the school lunchroom. She draws on her jeans. She rocks short hair. She is already years older than I wish she was. But what she didn’t strike me as…. a band nerd.
I pondered long and hard before making the 2 year commitment to a $2400.00 saxophone. I spent 2 months spelling saxophone…. sax-A-phone. I was clueless. I just knew that maybe if she walked through enough doors, she would find a hobby that just fit her, for the first time, completely.
For a week straight, there was honking coming out of her bedroom as she practiced creating sound. I thought she was killing geese. I moved her practice sessions to the driveway. DON’T JUDGE ME!
Within 3 weeks she was playing Hot Cross Buns. Within 2 months she was reading simple sheet music and playing in the house again. Last Thursday was their Christmas Concert. Standing there watching the 6th grade beginner band, I felt something break inside of me (and the Grinch’s heart grew 3 sizes that day).
I looked around at all of these cute kids, that took a leap of faith in themselves to learn to do something. Something that I cannot do. Something that I never TRIED to do. The music was wonderful. A few stray notes here and there, but for a group of kids that have been playing their instruments for only 3 months… WOW.
All the little faces glowing with pride, brought tears to my eyes. I watched Hailey as she sassed her saxophone through Jingle Bell Rock, and knew I owed a whole group of people an apology. (Which as a certified nerd in all other aspects of life goes, I am in fact sorry).
As the new “Dad” of a freshly inherited “Band Girl” – it was a culture shock for me too. My wife and her sister were both in band in High School/College – so they “get it”… I was on the fringe of understanding until I saw our daughter’s band take the field at a football game. After watching their set – entitled “I, Robot” – I have to say I was DULY IMPRESSED. TO be able to play, march, position, and DANCE – all at once??? Far more talent than my linear brain could handle.
All I can say is – enjoy the “Band Parent” experience – because it truly IS and EXPERIENCE.
Music touches everybody at some point and moves many most of the time. Those who really feel it (no…I’m not talking to you shower/car/vacuuming crooners)….feel it all the time like there’s a non-stop radio playing.
Next thing you know, she’ll be listening to specific parts of songs over and over. When you start noticing her doing that, you’ll know she’s on to something. You’ll think she’s listening to it over and over and over because she thinks it sounds cool. At that point what she’s really doing is listening to it over and over and over to see what it is that makes it sound cool.
Hi this is Hailey. How are you doing? I’m doin awesome. That is nice wht you said. I love and miss you guys so much tell everybody I said that!
Her lessons are your lessons are my lessons. Every time she takes on a new hobby, your writting seems to flourish. I’m so proud of both of you. I wonder as well however, why you both didn’t get beat up more often? lol And to Frank, I absolutely concur, and to that I say “Rock On” Hailey.
I have nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 Award. You can see it here: http://wp.me/pZNV9-1d8 Congrats!
I love music, and playing and dancing and listening and anything to do with it so I’m pleased your daughter has got a taste of it. It can be a friend for life. I’ve been wondering how you are. Not seen you over at my Blog in a million years, but keep coming here to see if there is any sign of you and Hay Presto. Up popped this post
I’d never quite seen that side, of the quality really of what they produce. My son was in cheer leading for a while, & the preparation & then the big day … enormous!