They Do Not Pay Me Enough

Okay, I am a good mom. Well, I try any way. Today was Megan & Amanda’s final recital through their private music lesson instructor. And all I can say is ‘Thank Goodness’! I am NOT going to brag about how musically talented my girls are. They are good and show much promise, but that is due to their dedication and practice and a love for playing their chosen instrument(s). And the kids [and adults] participating in the recital play so much better than me. But getting them all together is excruciating to the ear.

First, the majority of the musicians play violin. The violin is a very hard instrument to play well. Even those who play with some sense of talent screech, often. Second, they place the loudest trumpet player (he actually is very good) right behind the flutes and up front. Honestly, he should be in the back. Have you ever been in you car stopped next to one of those cars with extreme bass thump, thump, thumping in your ear? Their car vibrates. Your car vibrates. And you ears feel like they are going to implode then ooze something nasty. Well, this is the same sensation I feel when this trumpet (only a few feet away) starts to blare. Again, he is very talented. The room is either too small or the audience is too close to the performers (maybe a little of both).

Then everyone (EVERY ONE) gets a solo. This time about 20 could not attend and there were only a few repeated songs. The recital still lasted two hours. No biggie on the solos, but they should play something unique or maybe in little duets or trios if different songs are too much. Megan played a duet with her friend Jessica; Amanda had a solo in which she stopped midpoint to apologize for her slip ups, but she had just had her braces removed and was still getting used to that. It was kind of cute. There was a little girl of about 8 years old who played the violin fairly well and the piano very well; I was impressed.

I do not regret the lessons and give credit to everyone who played for their determination and abilities, but am thankful this is the last recital of this kind I will have to sit through. There, I said it. Does that make me a bad mother? I sure hope not.