family | music | parenting | photography
Plugging Away
I have been, even if my week’s practice all takes place in two evenings or one marathon session of once popular tunes.
(365 Day 305)
Right now the challenge is all the tonic, sub-dominant stuff I never knew before and transposing. Also, keeping my sleepy eyes from crossing and blending all the notes together on an easier version of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. The Christmas book it’s in has my daughter picking the tune out in the evenings, after homework, here and there.
I knew if I got a Christmas book, the kids might sneak in a little extra practice, and learn a song or two. My mother always played lots of Christmas songs leading up to Christmas day. On Christmas morning she might have me play some from a beginner’s book for all the grandmothers and great-grandmothers, sitting on the couch in a row.
I think she wanted us all to gather around the piano and sing carols with her, but that rarely happened. We weren’t generally a demonstrative bunch. However, secretly, I loved it. We should have indulged her. So, since I was given her piano, every Christmas, I would pull out my easy Christmas book and play some for my children to not really sing along with.
This year, I have a new book and my son’s playing from my old one. I’m going to have him play for his great grandmother, and I’m going to sing really loud.
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is one of my favorites of Bach. Wish we had room in our home for a piano. Would love to have live classical music for the holidays. You are making such a good home and happy memories for your children.
That's really sweet of you to say, Louisiana Belle. I often miss the mark with that, but I am trying.