We are fortunate to live a school district that not only still has music class and recess, but also offers free string lessons for third through fifth grade. That’s right. There’s no fee for a weekly lesson (although there are several kids in the lesson) except for the instrument rental (a whopping $18 for the first 3 months, and $21/month after that).
Natalie has wanted to learn how to play the violin since she was bitty lass and her father talked of how much he enjoyed his (one year of) violin playing days. Her dream came true this year as she moved up into the third grade. The rule in our house is that she has to practice every week night, but has the weekends off. I first had her practicing each of her songs 10 times, but it was soon apparent she needed a little bit of warming up first. So we instituted the 5-minute rule. She starts each practice session practicing how to hold her bow so she doesn’t squeak and I’m happy to report she is light years better than she was in September.
Last night was the Winter Orchestra Concert where her 3rd grade strings orchestra debuted. Natalie was SO excited to perform. She kept telling me “We have to be there at 6:30, mommy. We can’t be late.” In the car she said, “I can’t believe I’m performing for all these people I don’t know. This is the first time I’m performing for people other than my family. And I get to play Jingle Bells with the Strolling Strings. They’re famous, mom, and I get to play with them. Not every child gets to play with them.” (The North Allegheny Golden Strolling Strings is a group of North Allegheny school district high school string players. They were pretty awesome actually and inspiring to the little kids. I’m not sure how famous they are though!)
Natalie warming up before the concert
Natalie got to sit next to her good friend, Gillian
Here are two clips from the performance.
(NOTE: before you pass judgement on the camera skills, please picture me holding the camera up while Ryan is standing on the chair beside me grabbing my arms for support as he stands up and sits down repeatedly during the songs. Several times I’m batting his arm away as he reaches for my camera. “I help you?” he said so sweetly. It was not helpful at all, but at least we have something for posterity.)
Ryan clapped with glee after every song. “That’s Natalie. I see her!”
Ainsley listened for awhile then made creations with a random pack of play doh in my purse (Henry calls it the Mary Poppins bag and quite honestly I’m sometimes surprised by what we find in there. No lamps yet.)
After Natalie’s group was done, he decided Angry Birds was a better choice.
We were very proud of Natalie. She did a fantastic time and didn’t seem nervous to be on stage AT ALL! We look forward to more concerts.
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (4)
Aww Cute!!! Go Natalie!
haha I didn’t know that Henry played violin and then you said it was only for a year and I realized why I wouldn’t know that lol
Way to go Natalie! You did fantastic!
I loved it! I think it is so good for kids to learn how to play instruments…and to sing in choirs etc.
Tell Natalie it was really good!
Love, Linda
When I read this post my husband said ” You have to show Natalie this” .. some day perhaps? ~~~ Check it out on You tube. Shenandoah Violin Solo – Mairead Nesbitt . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xmg0uVsPpk