Fun With Music...

 Of course a grandkid is always up for honking on something around here but musical endeavors have been very fulfilling of late. 

There's been a new season of civic band rehearsals begin and in addition to the big time Temple Theater concert on Nov. 19 we have a small ensemble concert for various sub groups scheduled on Oct 29th in Hudgins Hall. Our polka band The Lufkin Brass will ride again with 2 or three numbers on that program. I am squeezing in extra rehearsals with the college band this week also just because it's fun. 

This past weekend I played a few jazzy numbers, folk songs and old spirituals at a birthday party Dr. Guessipina Bonner. Dr. Bonner is a member of our church, helps with SVDP, has a hand in preserving local history, is on the city council and is just generally a local good person of note. I was proud to play and the plate of oxtail, fried catfish, greens, field peas and cornbread I was paid with was on point. The event was catered by Bigg Boyzz  and I suggest you check out the spice line he sells. 

Finally one of the most rewarding musical adventures has been playing with the St. Patrick's Bilingual Children's Choir. We came into this job when one of the group leaders, Hugo who I worked with at the old papermill began cancer treatments that has limited his teaching of music to these kids which he was doing a very great job of. The other leader Maria was in one of our choirs when she was a teen so you can see while it may seem like we are doing something new this is just a continuation of long productive relationships in our community. 

The kids are playing guitars, percussion and flute so well under Hugo's coaching that all Cathy and I have to do is give some tips on things they need to know about presentation, basically getting stopped and started in an orderly fashion with a tune, setting up of music stands and music to be ready and just an occasional "thousand picks and patch cables" thing you have to know that no one tells you. 

I do have some good video from a rehearsal this past weekend we set to Hugo during his treatment stay in Houston but I'll get parental permission before posting. Here's an audio recording at this link to get the idea. 

Speaking of the parents of these kids they are a great group. They get the kids to rehearsal, help with set up and music distribution and do what they call "raising them right." This past weekend as always the group sings the old 14th century prayer, Anima Christi after Communion and we just used one 9 year old playing acoustic guitar for accompanist. I looked out and saw his mom crying because it was so pretty and because he played so well. I told her later my mom cried a lot when I played but it was because it was either tuba or what she called "honky tonkin'" songs.     

So say what you will. My brother says I will never get a job again after posting this and I say "good!" and this digeridoo rain drone is bringing a tropical depression ashore somewhere south of here. 

 

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