Each year during the holiday season, most of us tend to reflect a bit on the year and count our blessings. This has always seemed to me to be a good thing, as it takes our focus off of the difficulties of the past 12 months and redirects our attention to those things, large or small, that have been the treasures that shone through.
It’s been a challenging year for many of us, but I’m thankful for so much…including a wonderful Part-Time Musician (PTM) family with which to share triumphs, setbacks, musical challenges, accomplishments – in short, all of the things that make life, well, life. :-)
When I was growing up, every major holiday throughout the year had a Peanuts(TM) special that played on TV the week before. I admired and respected Charles Schulz, and I still do – few people have given so much to the human race, and few people’s legacies will last as long as his. To his family, thank you; we miss him.
Below is one of my favorite “Peanuts moments”, where Linus answers Charlie Brown’s plea asking what Christmas is all about. I know I’m an old softie, but it never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Wishing you all peace and goodwill, and may you and yours have a very merry Christmas.
Friend and fellow trumpeter Stan Modjesky passed along a great clip that I felt must be shared with all. For anyone who has played in an ensemble, this is hilarious! And if you haven’t yet, it gives you something funny to look forward to. :-)
Of course, not all gigs are like this. But just one time with a quirky conductor/bandleader/frontman and you’ll treasure those memories forever. Eventually, you’ll have a collection of them, and they make all the hours of scales, exercises, and etudes worth it…all by themselves.
Without further ado, here is Mr. Bean conducting a Salvation Army Band. Enjoy!
If you’ve ever wondered what to get your kids (or your neighbor’s kids!) for Christmas, this cartoon might give you some good ideas. I’m reminded of the old Chinese proverb that says, “If thine enemy wrong thee, buy each of his children a drum.” :-) Hat tip to fellow trumpeter Doc D’Errico for the cartoon!
Nevertheless, there are few gifts that give as much to all involved as a musical instrument. However you may (or may not) observe Christmas, we wish you peace.
Everyone knows the old stereotype of trumpeters being a bunch of attention-hungry adolescents who delight in lording their skill over each other by belting out borderline-obscene high notes. This elegant and reverent morsel of Christmas music will dispel that myth, once and for all. Or not. Click the “Play” (arrow) button below the picture to listen.
One way or another, folks, this will have you in tears. :-)
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All the best to you and yours,
Kathy
P.S. – Mark wishes me to assure everyone that he not one of the musicians featured in this selection. Really. ;-)
Just wanted to toss out a quick reminder to anyone who may be in the same boat I am regarding their Christmas (or other holiday!) shopping. If you have items left on your list, please consider your PTM advertisers. All are good, many offer expedited shipping, and some even offer one-size-fits-all gift cards. To check it out, click on the ads in the right column!
Gifts are wonderful, of course, but don’t forget to spend some quality time with your loved ones, especially while school is out and work may be slow. With only one Christmas performance remaining for our family, we’ll be gearing up to gear down (!) and enjoy spending all the time together that we can. Playing music will be a big part of that, of course, but I see some board games and Guitar Hero in our future as well. It’s all good. 8-)
Coming soon: a musician’s review of Guitar Hero World Tour, a good look at resources for the church musician, a very special interview (shhhhh!), and much, MUCH more. For now, though, it’s time to get back to my practicing!
Holidays & Special Occasions | Mark December 24, 2011 | 
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