Shaun Groves
I was out of town the last two days, so today is a day off. “Off” in that I’m not checking e-mail, answering my phone, or doing anything resembling work. Not “off” as in easy.
I took my two oldest to the symphony this morning in Nashville. Lemony Snickets has created a piece called The Composer Is Dead that’s similar to Peter and the Wolf, a story designed to teach kids the instruments of the orchestra and their sounds. My kids could not have been more bored out of their minds. I was deeply entertained: “Violins are broken into two groups. First violins, who play the more difficult parts, and second violins, who are more fun at parties.”
Then we went out for lunch together and talked about how much better the orchestra would be, according to Gresham, if it had “real drums” and electric guitars. Nossir, music appreciation is a hard thing to teach to the progeny of a Boston fan. God knows I’m trying.
Blog break over. Time to draw princesses and castles with my youngest. Maybe I’ll work a discussion of Botticelli in somehow.
My poor kids.
Texas in Africa says:
I adore Lemony Snicket and everything he does. The fact that my best friend and I had to convince a twelve-year-old to come with us to hear him speak a few years ago to help us save face gives me no shame whatsoever.
Jill Foley says:
As a violinist (2nd violin that is), I commend you for boring your kids! My 2 year old still thinks violin is cool…my 4 year old is so past that (not violin again, mommy).
Stretch Mark Mama says:
I love those Young People Concerts!
The symphony in our city (PDX) also goes out to the public schools and does special 1/2 hour concerts (kinderkonzerts) for the kids—4 a year—each one with a small ensemble (brass, percussion, strings, woodwinds). The programs are always fun for the kids (and parents!) and the best part is, my HomeySkoold Kids get to be a part of Real School. Good times.
Here’s a link to their programs:
http://orsymphony.org/edu/youthconcerts.aspx
We have a great education director at our symphony if anyone (bueller?) reads this and wants more info.
And no, I’m not trying to be obnoxious, just helpful. I’m a closet musician myself who gets pretty pumped up about introducing young kids to enjoyable, quality music. I keep them away from the Shaun Groves stuff, though…
Su says:
I used to love those things when I was in school! (No wonder I was the least popular kid in class!) “Second violins are more fun at parties..”– that’s just hysterical.
Jim Gray says:
I’d rather listen to someone rake their claws down a chalkboard.