New Instruments

Brahms and his new bass

My children are discovering new instruments this year.   Brahms although still taking private lessons for clarinet he is also learning to play bass.  The excitement in his face was hard to describe when he saw his burgundy-red instrument.  He hopes to be able to play for the youth band eventually.

Miriam has been learning to play the drums from a private teacher.  This year she is in band for the first time where she plays percussion instruments.  She owns a bell and a snare drum for  band although she also plays other percussion instruments provided by the school.  Her drum set occupies about a third of her bedroom. 

For the first time today, Shannon went to her piano lessons.  She has a teacher who seems to be "fresh" and full of ideas.  We'll see how everything goes.   She's been playing flute since she was in the elementary grades and still does.  However, her curiosity for other instruments has been awakened.  She's also been very interested in learning the guitar on her own. 

I find it good for children to push themselves to learn something new from time to time.  This improves their self confidence and appreciation of discovery.

"Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance."    -William Wirt