Wow, the last recital I wrote about was the Christmas recital of 2010. I’m really glad I wrote that entry. It’s good to remember successes.

I’m sure there was a recital in May of 2011. I don’t remember it, though. I know I missed the December 2011 one because my Dearest and I were on a cruise around the Panama Canal. I also missed the May 2012 one because I was in Utah, helping my daughter pick out her perfect wedding dress.

So at least I can write about the December 2012 recital. That’s not too distant a memory yet. Everyone was supposed to choose one Christmas and one regular song. I chose The Friendly Beasts for my Christmas song. The teacher had me tell the history of it. It was written in 12th century France, so I gave the kids a brief history lesson about things that were invented in the 12th century. They clapped a lot.

My regular song was called “Daydreams.” It was pretty. I messed up and had to pause. oh well. I didn’t bother to get embarrassed. Everybody messes up sometimes. It was still a pretty song and I ended it well. They all clapped a lot for that, too. That’s the nice thing about recitals . . .

One of the moms came up to tell me that I’m her hero, not only for taking lessons as an adult, but for getting up in public and playing under pressure. I don’t think she was referring to the mistakes either, although she may have been really glad it wasn’t her. I think she really is impressed with my perseverance…and ya know what? So am I. :) 5 months ago

I mean, I DID play a tune on a real harp, but only the right hand part. I didn’t take the time to figure out how to do the left hand. Plus, I think the long strings on that particular harp may have been out of tune. The instrument sits in the “experience” room of the MIM, where people can try out all kinds of instruments, but no one was giving the harp more than a pluck or two as they walked by.

I have a niece and a friend who both play, so I knew how to lean it back and which hand does what. It didn’t have pedals, but I would have known how to work those, too. It resonated just fine in that room without pedaling, though. I think a lot of people are intimidated by the harp. It’s just a naked piano. I found the Gs and the Cs and placed my fingers where they needed to be and felt a great sense of accomplishment in playing a little tune. 13 months ago

I went to the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum). They had a Steinway grand piano on the main concourse, sitting right out for anyone to touch. A few school children would tap a key as their teachers hurried them along on their field trip. No came to yell at them, and in fact, there was no security guard or museum docent anywhere near the Steinway, so I went over and sat down like I knew what I was doing.

The song, which I didn’t realize I had memorized, but played with no problem, is called “Melody” by Friedrich Baumfelder. It sounded pretty good resonating throughout the huge building. I was pleased. 13 months ago

Heh. My mom wants me to call her when I’m practicing the piano so she can hear how I’m doing. I’ve done it a few times in the past, but I haven’t done it once since she asked me to. Not to be defiant or anything! I just don’t remember to call her when I’m in the middle of my practice sessions.

I wrote myself a note. I’ll probably start doing it. I actually do think it would help. 13 months ago