Pick'n and a Grin'n

Liam's latest field trip was to Orchestra Hall, home of the Minnesota Orchestra, for the Kinder Konzert. Orchestra volunteers introduce kids to orchestra musicians, guide them through some music, and let them play some instruments. The kids got to see and hear a bassoon, violin, bass, drums, trumpet, trombone, clarinet and harp. He told Miss Sarah that the harpest's music, "was beautiful."

Next they were ushered off to the music factory where they sang, wiggled, and played a few instruments. One cannot overstate my relief that he did not like the drum. However, he was drawn to the mini-cello and violin. His initial attempts with the bow were an exercise in frustration. After a few minutes of trying the cello he quickly dropped the bow, turned the instrument to face him and started plucking away. He was the only kid to use this approach. He went back to the violin and resumed playing using his new-found plucking technique. Smiles.

Dreaming of him growing up to be an orchestra musician is a wonderful mental vacation. Granted, this would not be a lucrative career path, but I believe it would make for a profoundly enriched life.

Dammit, he's not supported me in retirement...