One of the reasons I’ve been absent from the blogosphere lately is that I spent the last few days with my daughter at Suzuki violin camp. It was quite a roller coaster of a weekend, let me tell you.
The group lessons were hard for Lena. Her teacher at home does “modified” Suzuki — no group lessons — and Lena really had to struggle to keep up with the kids who review all the songs every week and play them twice as fast. But by the end of the session, if nothing else, she got really good at faking it. And if you’ve never played in an orchestra or band before, trust me: “faking it” is a valuable skill. :-P
I had to put two arrows in this picture because the group teacher, lo and behold, turned out to be good ole Mr. Villasurda, who was my conductor thirty years ago in elementary school and also at Interlochen. He even pretended (?) to remember me. What a trip!
Lena also got to play in her very first orchestra. In fact, this was the very first orchestra experience for about half the kids in it, and considering that they had a grand total of four rehearsals, they did a great job. I admit I felt a wee bit emotional during the performance.
Best of all was getting to spend some time, just the two of us.
11 Comments
Ahh, the Suzuki Method :) That’s how my sister learned both piano and violin as a child.
What a lovely way to spend time wit your daughter.
Awwwwww. You are so cute together!
Faking is good. I faked the French Horn (my Dad made me play it) all through elementary school.
Mr. Bookworm also was a violin student of Mr. Villasurda, as I recall.
As Lena’s aunt (and as a teacher of middle school students who has a hard time turning off my pedantic function) I want to put in a word against faking! I know that smart girl will do her best at whatever she tries.
I love that girl, like a rabbit loves to run.
Ahh, Interlochen…what great memories that recalls! And trust me, the ability to fake it is one no musician can survive without. A valuable lesson learned.
I’m glad you both had fun. I hope she keeps playing (can you tell I’m a musician too?)
I’m not sure how memorable a student I was for Mr. Villasurda — but if I stood with my bad-violin-posture of legs twisted/crossed around each other, that was my wont, it would probably all come back to him.
Interesting to think about what role a music teacher plays in a kid’s life — as an adult, taking an interest in the kid, but not quite a classroom/school teacher yet guiding and cajoling the kid to work towards a goal.
Is it just me, or are the famous music teachers the most demanding and severe?
If so, what’s up with that?
NOTE — as far as I’m concerned, Mr. Villasurda was a good teacher, but was not strict or severe. I remember him as steady, helpful, and pleasant — even, ‘fun’!
Nice picture. It sounds like you guys had a great time. Right now, I’m at FSU with D1 for her two-day orientation. It’s been ages since we’ve spent time together and I’m enjoying it.
Your daughter has really grown up since I first started reading your blog…she looks so young-ladyish now, I can’t believe it.
Wow what a great thing to do! I can attest to the value of faking it too. Years in a concert band taught me how. But it’s nice uf yu don’t have to too! I still think about the conductor of that band, who was also my private teacher, and wonder what he’s up to. He was a troubled man, I think.
Heather J, it was lovely indeed. I wish we could do it more than just once a year.
Chartroose, I’m impressed! I believe they don’t even teach French Horn until middle school here.
Aunt Sara, yes he was, and I’m sorry I forgot to mention it in the post. Mr. V seemed to remember him, too. :) As far as faking it goes, based on your comment I’d have to assume you never played in band or orchestra. Otherwise you’d know that a) having to fake it isn’t shameful and b) faking it requires a very high level of focus, concentration, and nimbleness of thinking, as well as superior sight-reading and counting ability. Especially with the violin, where the whole world can see which direction your bow is going! It was really good for Lena: it snapped her out of her usual state of dreamy distraction and in the end gave her a big confidence boost.
Ravenous, yay for Interlochen, my favorite place on this planet! Suzuki camp was actually at Blue Lake, and I felt a little like I was on enemy territory. ;)
Hubby, Mr. Villasurda is great. I’d say he is definitely strict but not at all severe. He has a wonderfully dry humor, often directed more towards the parents than the kids.
Fred, I’m honored that you stopped by here while you were out of town. :) Going off to college… it’s hard to believe. Hope it goes smoothly!
Ella, heh heh, if only she would act as young ladyish as she looks!
Crit, I think my middle school band conductor was a troubled man too. He died young, of a sudden heart attack. I was sad when I heard, but not surprised. Poor guy.
Ah, yes. I gave up early on violin (and piano and clarinet and recorder) so I never really got to the orchestral stage. Sight reading I would applaud and envy, if that’s what faking is for musicians. Bravo!