Our Dance: Band-a-thon

When I was in the 6th grade I wanted to be in band. I really really wanted to play the flute. My parents disagree with me, but I remember they talked me into playing the clarinet. As I remember it they said it was easier so I should try it first. If I wanted to stay with music then I could switch to the flute later. They also told me if I was going to play an instrument I had to stick with it I think they said through High School. Well, I did stay with it through High School and into college. I loved playing. It was my way to escape. I could get so much in my music that nothing else around me mattered. After one year of playing in college I married, had kids and life just seemed to happen. Then Ashlie entered 6th grade and she was interested in playing. I honestly don't even know if she knew I played. I pulled out my clarinet and played a couple of notes for her. She decided then that she wanted to play clarinet also. And so another Band monster was created. She has played my clarinet for the 6 years. It has served her well but the clarinet is old. It really isn't worth the repair that is needed to get it into concert shape. I have known for sometime she needed a new clarinet but they are very very expensive. This christmas we ran into a great deal on a new clarinet. My mom and dad graciously wanted to buy it for Ashlie. She absolutely loves it.

Fast forward to yesterday. Yesterday was a band-a-thon at her school. She received pledges if the band can continually play for 8 hours. She talked Corrie into playing with the band and then started working on me. It really didn't take much talking. Now that we have 2 clarinets I COULD play with her. I haven't played in 15 years. Friday night I practiced just to make sure I knew the fingering. Saturday Ashlie and Corrie went to the school around 9. I finally got up my nerve and headed down around 2. Ashlie had to remind me some of the fingerings and I had a little bit of a problem keeping up. (But then again I was also sight reading) But I really had alot of fun. Too bad Corrie couldn't sit next to us. I look forward to another opportunity to play with my kids. Thanks, Mom and Dad.

P.S. For the curious, I never did switch to the flute. When Corrie started playing flute in 6th grade they had a parents concert where the kids were to teach us their instruments and we had to play in a concert. So I got a little taste of the flute then.

Me at age 12 ( Ok just ignore the big glasses. That was the fashion then)