The idea of playing violin solos was not my cup of tea, but I gave in when the band teacher at my new high school asked me to play in the annual Christmas concert. I remember standing up in front of an audience of new friends and their families in the school auditorium playing "O Holy Night" on my violin, accompanied by the choral director. I can still feel that adolescent embarrassment of standing out, being different from my peers as I played the violin. But I did it. Music is said to build other strengths. I can say it added confidence to my repertoire that night. Do you recall a similar experience? Share below...
3 Comments
Michele
10/11/2015 05:50:15 pm
While not having to be "in front" of the small crowd, but instead up in the choir loft I was still rather nervous playing the organ for daily mass. One time I started playing a response before I was suppose to! I knew it right away & stopped but oh the embarrassment! I stayed after to practice and could see Father walking down the aisle toward me, then I was really scared. But he was so nice & understanding about it that my confidence came back & I knew I could keep doing it.
Tootie Hudson
10/12/2015 05:31:13 pm
I was playing for a wedding many years ago and I fell off the organ bench during the ceremony. It was like a big boooooom..I'm very short, 5'2" at that time so I needed to always keep my right foot on the crescendo pedal to brace myself. I needed to adjust myself, the bench was slick and off I went. Thank the Lord no one could see me. I did not attend the reception.
Janet Lundy
12/10/2015 07:03:00 pm
I took organ lessons from James Darling at the restored colonial Bruton Parish Church while I was at the College of William and Mary. I started lessons in September and was expected to play in a concert with other students in November! Although I had had several years of piano lessons, I was not familiar with the organ keyboard at your feet. The concert was advertised in the visitor's bulletin, my parents came from Northern Virginia, as did my friends at the college. The church was packed and lit up beautifully that evening. I was so nervous that Mr. Darling took me downstairs to put my hands under hot water and then held my hands before it was my turn to play. And play I did, except my feet got tangled up, so I played the rest of the Bach prelude and fugue with just my hands, no feet. Fortunately only those who knew the music could tell! Leave a Reply. |
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