Matilda has taken up the cello and is currently performing in the sixth grade orchestra. Since first playing the instrument in August, she has really gained some excellent control over it and is producing some quite melodious sounds. In fact, the only issue is that mom nearly has a heart attack when it needs to be tuned because she has no familiarity with a stringed instrument. She seizes up like a 1985 Chevy Celebrity on a 12% grade.
Not to fear. I can tune stringed things. From guitars to ukuleles to cheeses. A cello isn’t that difficult. It also helps that I’m lazy and own an electric tuner.
Matilda has gained enough confidence that she is entering a small ensemble and solos competition. She’s working on a piece with her friend who plays the violin. It’s pretty cool to consider. Next stop is the supergroup of minimalist quartets.
Last night was Matilda’s Festival of Strings, where the school district brings together all the orchestras from 5th through High School. They each played a few selections and then together gave us “Ode to Joy”. Not the whole movement, mind you. Just a few bars.
Matilda had been working really hard on her selections and I recognized a few. But there was one they were playing that had her especially excited. One that she knew would also have me especially excited.
So last night, as we sat in the audience the sixth grade orchestra played their first two selections. Two very nice songs. Then they rocked “Fun Fun Fun” by the Beach Boys. Matilda smiled the whole time. Matilda knew how excited I would be to hear Brian Wilson as interpreted by 11 year-olds.
The reprehensible boor that sat behind us (that’s another story) scoffed, “They’re playing the Beach Boys! Those kids don’t even know who they are.”
I turned around and said, “Mine knows who wrote this song, much less who performed it!” Boorish Oaf Lady didn’t care. I suspect because she assumes the Beach Boys are really some guy in a hat with a nasally voice and not really the genius of Brian Wilson.
As the final chord faded, the crowed clapped. I cheered the loudest, I suspect, because I know I was probably the proudest parent there.
Matilda gave me the thumbs up when it was over. She was very proud to be playing Brian Wilson for me and she took quite a bit of joy in it too. I doubt there were many other parents and kids as proud at that moment as the two of us.
I think I’ll let her keep the T-Bird for a little while at least.
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