Family Day

 

Family Day came and was as joyful as ever. I think it's about up there with Christmas for XX. 

XX had a three hour lesson on theory. Not my idea of fun, but she was happy. We had the requisite Chinese food and jello, and had fun reminiscing. We added a blue-tailed fire bellied newt to our menagerie.

A good day.

And She's In!

A few weeks ago, Mother's Day, to be exact, XX auditioned for a pre-college music conservatory program.

She worked hard, as always, on the requirements, then slipped her violin charm, a gift from her precious Aunt Joy, into her pocket, counting on some extra "magic."

She's been admitted as a "violin major." For some reason, this both amuses and frightens me: my nine-year old has a major.

There are still ensemble auditions and placement exams to get through, but then her schedule will be set over the summer. She'll start in the fall. It's only, or rather, mostly on Saturdays, but I'm told, they will be full, full days. Plus we have to drive two hours each way and there will be occasional extra nights for performances and/or classes. Long weekends ahead.

At that point, in addition to her regular violin teacher, she will have a teacher from the Conservatory. There will be classes in theory, history, solfège, ensemble work, composition, improvisation and perhaps even conducting.

XX has been working hard on her playing and her theory. "It's like school, Mama, but it's music!"  She's eating it all up.

A little hard work can create Magic.

Big Girl

XX had her first "big girl" violin lesson this week.

She was lucky enough to get a lesson from Ian Swenson, the teacher of her teachers.  He's apparently extremely busy, and rarely teaches children, so we felt fortunate that he made time for XX on a recent trip to the area.

She was also happy to be chosen to be a helper for the pre-dance class in the Spring Performance.

Though she isn't really much taller, she enjoyed being one of the big girls. She loved and worried about her "pinkies." She kept them in line, helped them with their hair backstage, smiled at them, encouraged them, and danced with them onstage.

It's good to be big. Even if you're small.

Busy

XX is getting ready for the Spring Performance at ballet.

We went to see a dinosaur exhibit.

 

 

The violinmaker, to our surprise and honor, closed his shop to come see XX play at her recital. He then invited her to come see him again. He was anxious to work on XX's violin to give it more sound. After some quick magic (he wants to do yet more when we can leave the violin for a few days), he let XX work with him, trailing him in the shop.

She demonstrated a few violins to a customer, showed how to tighten, then rosin a bow, how to care for the violin. Yuriy was confident enough to ask her opinions about the violins and without hesitation, she chose the better (and more expensive instrument). XX rang up the sale, and later helped clean up.  She was so pleased to be helping out and felt great about her "first day of work."

After the work, some play time. As in playing music. The two of them worked on some jazz duets.

She was asked back to perform at a church.

Goofing around with her violin "sleeping bag."

 

 And just plain goofing.