I must say, I think music has always been an important part of my life. I remember my brothers and I doing "air band" concerts for our parents. Then learning clarinet in 5th grade, switching to Oboe in 7th grade. Hitting high school, wanting to be in marching band, originally I had set my sights high and I wanted to be the drum major, but I settled on playing cymbals my freshman year, xylophone on the sidelines my sophmore year, guard my junior year, and in concert band until I graduated. I also took piano during my jr and sr years in high school. I think because of so many years playing one note at a time, I am still slowly adjusting to playing more than one note at a time on the piano.
I remember my Dad singing a lot when I was growing up. My brothers and I loved playing with his music baton, used to lead/conduct music. My mom also influenced my music because even though she admits she doesn't have the greatest voice, she doesn't let it stop her from singing and helping children sing. These last few years I did get my chance to be a sort of drum major/conductor. My church calling was primary chorister for kids ages 3-11 for 2 hrs every Sunday. I loved that calling. My voice wasn't the greatest but I did get those kids to sing. I was involved in 3 primary programs before we moved.
I've been exposed to all sorts of music, how can you not be growing up in Nashville? Actually, we didn't listen to much country I must admit. Some of my dates with my Dad, he would take me to this Jazz club/diner. He also got me hooked on New Age. My mom would explain all the story lines to many musicals as we would go on long trips, and I suspect we will listen to many on our planned trip this summer. I even remember getting in my older brother, Erik's, car at 5:30am to go to seminary with rap music blarring. I'd walk by Chris's room and he would have U2 playing.
Jared's background is also filled with music. He has the amazing gift of hearing a song on the radio/itunes and then sitting at the piano and picking it out by ear. Ethan did this last week too. He has been taking piano for 1 1/2 years and is way better than me. We were very fortunate that my Aunt Nila and Uncle Bill gave us their 30 yr old "virgin" piano. I say virgin because no one ever played it at their house. I'm please to say that I don't think a day goes by that this piano isn't played. It has come alive in our house.
I'm a fairly good singer, in groups of course, and Jared and his family have amazing voices and asked to to solos often. We were even asked to be in a stake musical so that he could sing a specific solo written by the director. I was just along for the ride.
So, here I am sitting here, late at night, getting updated on the computer, listening to the soundtrack from "Pride and Prejudice". I love it. It evokes such emotions. I must say I love music, most kinds. Good music soothes my soul. And sometimes, as it says in the scriptures, a song of the righteous is as a prayer unto me. I hope Jared and I are passing along this love of music to our kids.
2 comments:
Very nice to hear your reflections on the significance of music in your life...and the role that various people, including your parents played, in that experience. Although my dad was not personally musical, he played a role in ensuring music was always in our house during my childhood. He often purchased and played records from Broadway musicals, and good jazz. My mother (your grandmother) was always musically inclined. She sang a lot around the house, took me and my sibs to the Children's Series of the Utah Symphony Orchestra from the time I was very small, and encouraged each of us to play at lesat one musical instrument - which we all did. Your uncle Hal played piano and organ. Your uncle Bruce played trumpet, Your uncle Steve played drums, and your aunt Judy played trumpet and majored in music in college. As you know, I played drums beginning in 4th grade through high school and in the Army band and about two years, then took up guitar. So, yes, you do have a strong and positive musical influence from the Hutchinson family. I am very glad you love it too.
Love, Dad
You both have great voices. I LOVE good music. It does wonders for the soul.
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