A little "violining" on Saturday

"Violining" is how Sophie refers to her violin playing (in summer camp she was introduced to basketball, and informed me that she had done some passing and basketing). It's all good stuff. 

On Saturday we attended Sophie's first East Bay Suzuki Violin Play-In. Children who play up to about the fourth book in Suzuki classes throughout the East Bay perform in sort of a cumulative backwards way: The most advances students go first, play their most advanced piece, and then are joined on stage by the students playing the precedes that one. They work their way backwards, with more children joining them on stage at each piece. Sophie was in the group for Lightly Row, which is the second real piece in the first book following some practice variations. After Lightly Row, she and the others (about 100 kids by now) played the Twinkle Variations, ending with the theme, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. It is about the cutest thing ever. Sophie was so nervous when she was first on stage that she froze and didn't raise her violin along with the leader and the others. I almost died. But she snapped to, joined the others, and did just fine. It was exciting not only for her to have such a low-pressure opportunity to perform but to see what the more advanced students can do.

Here she is waiting in her seat. All the children were asked to wear white shirts, black skirts or pants, and black shoes. Wouldn't you know it, there was one little girl there in a purple party dress. I guess there's one set of parents in every group who thinks these requests do not apply to them.

She had a little time to warm up and then to make friends with everyone in her row.


Here's the grand finale.

Between pieces, one of the event coordinators not only introduced the pieces and the instructors leading but included a few quotes from Dr. Suzuki illustrating his philosphy concerning children and music. This is one of my favorites:

I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart.

I don't think violin lessons are the only way to develop a beautiful heart, but they're working for us at the moment. As long as Sophie is having fun and is willing to practice, we're there. 

Coming up on Figs: oysters and cakes.