Wednesday, August 1, 2018

MUSICAL HEARTS
August 1, 2018

Music rules our immediate family...not a bad thing! My mom was a gifted piano player and singer. I  can still see her sitting with my father on the piano bench as they sang together, creating her special brand of magic. My love of music comes from her. 

I often picked up a guitar and just enjoyed singing for my own enjoyment... then, as a married woman, wife and mother, I loved singing in St. Paul's Cathedral choir for several years- until committing to the weekly rehearsals and the promise of every Sunday morning became nearly impossible. How I miss the music, though... it was food for my soul. I have quite a bit of the old English choir music...the masses as well as traditional psalms... on my mobile devices to enjoy, even if I don't have the pleasure of singing them anymore in my choir robe!

Our daughter was always in musical theater productions and choirs throughout middle school, high school and university. Now, she sings with the Tempus Choral Society near her home in Toronto, Ontario, Canada...joyfully and with her whole heart. 


My former (but still dear) son-in-law is a talented and much requested professional musician (primarily trumpet) who continues to play with many of the greats...I believe he's our grandson's role model. 
Our grandkids have loved music as long as they've been alive...and they've pursued it, in one way or another.
Now, as teenagers, they're serious about their music...both auditioned and were accepted into high schools for the arts, where they can pursue their passions. Our grandson is a gifted trumpet player (like his Dad) and is part of several special musical groups both in school and outside of academia. This summer, he auditioned and was invited... one of the youngest members... to join a Drum Corps out of Seattle, Washington- the Seattle Cascades. The corps has been traveling across the United States since June, competing with other drum and brass groups from all over. We're so proud of him...he not only had to play very challenging music but had to march and dance while playing. (These photos are courtesy of the Seattle Cascades...we're going to see them perform LIVE next week in Erie, Pennsylvania.)







Their schedule was very demanding...rehearse for several hours... twice a day... then perform in weather as hot as 106 degrees in Texas!! WOW!!

Our granddaughter's musical path has been in musical theater for several years now and she'll pursue her interest and talent in a high school dedicated to the arts. We're equally proud of her gift for acting as well as singing and dancing. Did I mention that she's a drummer in a local band as well?







What a blessing music has been...and continues to be...in our lives. I wonder if music is in the future  for our grandkids, Hunter and Lilly. I guess that's one of the jobs of a grandparent- to think about the future of those they love and to wish for the best!!

Thanks for checking in...,
Until the next...
BIG HUGS,
abbyj