We are having two families over on Sunday and have invited everyone – adults and kids alike – to perform a piece on an instrument, to sing a song, or to read a poem, essay or speech. I concocted the plan several months ago when I was trying to think of ways to keep Elias interested in playing the piano (his teacher no longer organizes recitals, like he did when Louisa took lessons from him).
I also was inspired by reading newspaper accounts of my great-grandfather’s experiences playing the violin at house parties at the turn of the last century, like this one that took place before my great-grandparents were married:
Miss Islea Graham gave a party and musical entertainment at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.N. Graham, last evening. It was one of the finest affairs of the kind ever in the city. The musical program was of exceptional merit and was a real treat to lovers of fine music. Miss Florence B. Wright of Burlington and Prof. G. O. Riggs of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the eminent violinist, contributed to the enjoyment of the evening. There was a large attendance of Aledo’s most fashionable people.
Our event will be much more low-key, with an emphasis on fun and good food, and not fashion. But I have no doubt that it will be a real treat for all in attendance.
I am planning to play a piece on the piano. If I chicken out, I may instead read this poem (author not known) that was in my grandfather Ronald’s files. It must have been important to someone, because at the bottom it includes the instruction: Please keep.
(You don’t have to tell that twice to anyone in this family of pack rats).
The Young Bandman
It was a cold and dreary day,
The bandmen in the park did play
The people listened with their ears
And when ’twas done they gave three cheers.
One boy, a strong and manly youth,
His clarinet did play,
A boy who always spoke the truth
And made them clap their hands, hurray!
He stood up slim, and strait (sic) and tall,
And blew his clarinet to all,
Till people, wondering, would hear
The sounds that came with murmuring fear.
No comments:
Post a Comment