Monday, 22 July 2013

Music

I've listened to more music this week than I have other weeks. I mentioned that my iPod touch is broken, so I cannot chose what I listen to. But if I plug in my headphones I can hit the play button on the inline remote and it will start playing my music library in alphabetical order. Even with skipping a few songs, I was surprised when I didn't even make it through the bs when mowing the lawn. In addition, my wife and I sang in the choir at church today. An arrangement by Mack Wilberg, one of the big names with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It had some wonderful harmonies and moving lines in it. We have a wonderful choir director that I also work with in Cub Scouts. It is the most relaxed choir I've ever sung in (which is a grand total of about 4), but we seem to do a good job and I feel more empowered in my singing.

I've always loved singing but have had very little formal training. I did take lessons in a youth choir from one of my friend's mom's who was doing her Ph.D. in music (and was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), but that was more to support her son then because I really wanted to sing better. I did play piano for about 6 years and then baritone/euphonium for another 6, so I know how to read music (particularly the bass cleft). My family has also been rather musically inclined, but I never had any ambition with it. I still don't, not really, but I did feel honored when our choir director asked me to be in a men's quartet for a special musical number. The song is one that her husband wrote and re-worked for four male voices. Today we met after church to practice. I felt grossly aware of my deficiencies, but was so glad to be singing with group. I wish I could sing better and am grateful for the opportunity to improve.

I guess I do have one ambition when it comes to music. I would like to learn how to play the piano again. I told my wife that after I finish my Master's program that piano lessons would be my next education experiences. My mother only took lessons as an adult, so I have no difficulties in my age and questioning if an old dog can (re)learn new tricks. I want my children to be able to listen to a song and feel the emotions because they have a love of music. I hope to instill that in them.

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