As parents, we all think our child is capable of achieving anything and secretly dream that our child is the next Einstein, Michael Jordan or Dave Koz. And yes, there are the parents who do have one of those...but for most of us, our kids are just average kids who, if we're lucky and they work hard, will do well in at least one or two classes at school. Shanna had a promising future in both track (where she beat the district record in the 100 yard dash) and in basketball until she dislocated her knee and spent a year in physical therapy. It was a crushing disappointment to her to find out that the possibility of reinjury was a good possibility, but fortunately, she also had music in her life.
She's started playing the clarinet in the sixth grade until we traded it in for an alto sax, which was her heart's desire (the picture is Shanna with her "new" saxophone that we got her for Christmas 2006...she's got the pose down!). Shanna started private saxophone lessons today One thing about my daughter...she hates trying new things and hates change...so she was less than thrilled when we told her we were signing her up for private lessons. This instructor, who is also a professional musician, has been playing for 30 years and comes highly recommended. He's also a Christian, which is a plus in my book and he requires a lot from his students. Shanna took private lessons for about two months last year and the instructor didn't really teach her anything, didn't require any "at home" work...so we stopped the lessons. So it was with some reluctance on her part that we walked into the studio today, and of course, she was prepared to dislike the instructor.
I decided to stay and sit in on this first lesson and I'm so glad I did (it was tempting to leave since my favorite scrapbook store is only half-mile away!!). I could tell by the middle of the lesson, as she was asking questions, learning new fingering techniques, etc. that she was relaxing. As the mother of a teen (girl), you know that if you ask them too many questions or say the wrong thing, they just clam up...so I was careful to not say or ask too much as we walked out to the car. She was highly complimentary of the instructor and is excited about learning from him. She has decided to audition for the state competition...she has three very difficult pieces to learn in the next three weeks, but she's willing to give it a try and her instructor is going to devote part of her lessons to helping her with her audition music...so we're making an investment in her future and so...for tonight at least, I'm dreaming that my girl is the next John Coltrane...anything is possible...
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