The Instrument Fair
When I was in 3rd grade, my mom took me to an ‘instrument fair’ at my school. I went to Stroudsburg at the time, and they had encouraged all students to be a part of their music program. So there I was, walking around that circular cafeteria, ready to pick out an instrument to play. What immediately caught my eye was the large, wooden, pear-shaped instrument I would soon learn was called the cello, and let’s just say it was love at first sight. I instantly ran up to it, examined its beautiful craftsmanship, and begged the teacher in charge to let me try it. Now, mind you, I was standing probably 3 or 4 feet tall at the time, and if any of you have ever seen a cello you know it isn't a small instrument. Judging by my height, that teacher was not compelled to let me try it, and judging by my clumsiness, neither was my mother. But the second I finally got them to let me sit down with it, I knew I needed to learn how to play it.
So, they set me up with a cello teacher named Mr. Flatley, and I started learning how to read music. In the late 4th grade, my family moved to Nazareth, and I had to leave the Stroudsburg Music Department behind. Looking back, that was a good thing. Not just because Mr. Flatley was arrested for the statutory rape of his ‘assistant’ (that's a story for a different day…), but because the Nazareth Music Department, specifically my orchestra teacher Mrs. Sabol has given me the greatest music education I could ask for.
Over the years, I've continued practicing and growing my skills with the cello. I've enjoyed every song and every concert, every classical piece to every pop piece. I have especially enjoyed growing into my cello. From playing at a ¼ sized cello to finally growing into a full size, I have grown so much and watched my instrument grow with me. This April, I will finally be a cello owner- not just a renter. I can thank my amazing, supportive grandmother for that. I feel so lucky to have this connection to music and to play an instrument I love. So here's the moral of the story folks. If you want to do something- do it. As a mural in the hallway of our school (created by my talented friend Samantha Jordan) says, “do something today that you will thank yourself for tomorrow.” I’m extremely thankful I chose the cello that day in the cafeteria. I am thankful I didn’t let my small stature stop me from doing something I wanted to do. And neither should you! Don’t let anyone put you in a box, or let anyone's impressions of what you should do influence your choices. Whether that be what instrument you play or how you want to live your life, choose what you want to do. Play your own metaphorical cello. Thank yourself later.
I had no idea you played the cello! When I was a kind I was also a bit enamoured of the instrument (there was a TV show about a high school class, and there was a girl in the class who was a prodigy so she was much younger than the rest of them... she was a cello player, so I guess that made me find it cool?). I have never even picked up a string instrument because my school was too small to have an orchestra program (I played clarinet instead), but I'm so glad Naz students have that opportunity and that Mrs. Sabol has been such a great influence for you!
ReplyDeleteConsidering I am also a musician, this is probably the most relatable blog post i've seen! I often find myself wondering who I would be if I wasn't placed into piano lessons at 4 years old, and in your case, the third grade instrument fair. Part of me wishes I continued with activities such as gymnastics, soccer, etc, but I feel as though my true self can only thrive within some kind of a musical ensemble. I too have fallen utterly in love with every aspect of my instruments; as I am sure you have too. Though I have never experienced a change in music programs, I have experienced the outstanding teachers within our program. The cello’s warm, rich tone is absolutely enchanting. I am so grateful that people (including yourself) are able to bring the “pear-shaped” piece of wood to life. I hope you continue to find peace and joy within playing cello in the midst of this unpredictable life.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad we didn't get to finish our mashup, your cello would've added so much to the piece! I never knew that the cello came in smaller sizes, makes sense, just never thought on it. I really loved that sentence when you explain physically growing with your instrument, like it's a piece of you. Cute!
ReplyDeleteI think it is so awesome that you were able to find a way to express yourself musically. I have heard you play only a couple times but every time has been very good! I think that it is really great that Nazareth has great music teachers that aren't sexual predators!!! I think that it is a great hobby and ultimately a piece of you which is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that you should do what you want to do regardless of any naysayers tell you. I have had people criticize me for wanting to sing in choir before, but it really makes me happy when I sing. I am happy you got to experience the happiness of music as well, and I wish you the best as you continue to grow with your cello.
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