And music is something that just fits with Michael. He has a mind that loves detail, counting, and patterns. He is expressive and loves experimenting with dynamics. Sometimes he gets a little overly experimental... but that is really fun too! I've loved seeing his progress. He is generally quite cooperative, loves to try new things, and adds his own little musical flair into the pieces he practices.
Practicing each day (except Sundays) is the laid-out goal, which we sometimes meet easier than others. It takes commitment and lots of time from everyone in the family. We try to get Michael's done in the morning before school, which is far more successful than trying it in the afternoon when our whole family is busy with other activities. And although I rarely get exercise and showered before noon because of all the practicing that happens at our house, I truly treasure and enjoy the one-on-one time I get with Michael when we practice. We set goals together, we congratulate accomplishment and make critiques together, and we do hard things together. It's not always easy, and occasionally it isn't pleasant. But we work things out, and there is value in struggling together, too.
And moments like this recital make it all worth it.
Two years and hundreds of morning practices later, we gathered in our music room with some of our friends and family to celebrate his hard work and dedication. He played 17 songs from memory (23 if you count the Twinkle Variations... ), and did so with attention to tone and dynamics. It was fulfilling to me, as his mother, to sit back and realize his progression, and the beautiful music he is able to make.
There were several family members who were not able to join us... and we thank you for your well wishes for Michael. That meant a lot. So here are a few requested snippets I videoed from my half of the room:
He started at the end of the book, doing the most advanced pieces first. Here is a bit of Minuet 3:
Here is part of Etude:
Part of French Folk Song, the "Anthem of The Cello," and still my favorite. I have lots of memories wrapped up in it. When I listen to Michael play it, I often remember hearing Michael play it for the first time with accompaniment with his first teacher Liz Willey. At that time it brought tears to my eyes as I enjoyed beautiful music coming from a beautiful instrument being played by my beautiful boy. I teared up again as Liz and Michael played it together for the last time when she left on her mission and we were faced with finding a new teacher. We loved Liz and she was so sweet with Michael.
French Folk Song has done the same thing to me many times since... it is just a beautiful song to me and will always have a tender place in my heart. (You should hear it with beautiful cello accompaniment...)
Speaking of beautiful cello accompaniment, this is Michael's teacher, Carey Cheney. She is simply wonderful, and has a way of empowering him to do his best and "be the expert" when it comes to his technique and tone. She is always so positive, and playful in a professional way. We love her. She would have normally accompanied Michael on her cello, but she had an injury to the thumb of her bow hand the week before the recital (a run in with a knife while making Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner, resulting in many stitches and lots of healing time). This was sad (because it brings tears to my eyes to hear the two cellos play together so beautifully...); but as a benefit, Paul got to accompany Michael on the piano. Which was so fun for the two of them to do together.
Special thanks must go to Paul for all that he does in the music endeavors of our family. Not only did he play for Michael's recital, he regularly spends a few hours each week helping me get practices in with kids (Michael's cello and piano, and violin with Abby and Bekah). He has the skills and the ear to help even without going with us to lessons, and lends me emotional support when things get a little hard... and I value that so much!! The kids would usually rather practice with him than with me, and he lends a new set of eyes and ears to things that can be worked on. Their teachers and other moms tell me all the time how lucky I am to have a husband that helps... and I AGREE!!! I don't think I could do it without him and all the time he puts into helping so much with the kids. He is the BEST dad, and we all love him.
Aren't they just two peas in a pod?
He is holding his ultimate favorite candy bar. CRUNCH!!!
Michael, I am proud of you for doing hard things. You practice so well, and are good at focusing and doing your best. I love spending time with you as you learn new pieces and polish up techniques. You listen well to your teacher, and soak up new information. My favorite moments practicing with you are watching you truly enjoy the making music, enjoying your fun sense of humor, and helping you make *new records* and *keep scores*. You are really good at it, and I love to watch you succeed.
At the end of the recital, Mrs. Cheney suggested you take 23 bows for 23 memorized songs. We were happy to clap and clap and clap!
It might have been your favorite part. :) :)
Good job Michael. Keep up the good work. We will always clap for you.
