Tickling the Ivories

On Saturday, the hubby and I went to the music shop and bought some music stuff.  I got a new music stand since mine was busted as well as some new sheet music. (Some piano and a Wizard of Oz  one for the clarinet that comes with a CD for you to play along with)  But anyways, we went mostly because I wanted to get a new piano book.  I go through phases of playing the piano.  I have always wanted to be able to just effortlessly play.  The only issue is my left hand.  I can play the right just fine but add the left at the same time along with thinking in the bass clef, forget it.  Not that simple.  All of the music I have had to read has been treble clef.  So reading the treble clef notes along with figuring out the the bass clef notes while playing with my left hand which is not my dominant hand takes a LOT of effort.  But with practice I will improve and it will become easier.  At least that is what I keep telling myself.

But I guess it could be worse, my poor husband has a difficult time reading any sheet music.  He used to play saxophone when he was a kid but quit.  So, while he is teaching himself guitar it is an even bigger process for him.  I should probably cut him some more slack.  I'll make sure to tell that to the cat too who cries every time he plays.

When I consistently play, I can play some songs just fine.   I have quite a few books from my musical favorites like:  Wicked, Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and a few others.  Its been a while since I played (practiced) so I'm a bit rusty.  But I find as I'm playing, I don't think about anything else but the music.  Its a good way to clear my mind and soothe my thoughts.  As well as continue to learn something and enjoy doing it.  That's the hard thing as you grow up.  Even when you love doing something, when its required you sometimes get a chip on your shoulder about it.  Now as an adult, I don't have to practice if I don't want to.  I choose to because I can and I'm doing it for myself.  I have always loved music---- singing and playing my clarinet (tenor sax, too-even though I only played the tenor for one year).

I did pick up a Christmas book that has my favorite non-secular Christmas song in it:  "Somewhere in my Memory".  (The song from Home Alone)  It is such a beautiful song and I hope to be able to play it with "ease" by Christmastime.  Here is a beautiful video of it:

Well, I'm going to go do another lifelong love of mine: reading. I'm currently reading and enjoying: Betty White: Here We Go Again.  It is pretty good so far.  She's a funny lady and I just love the her intelligence.

BSB

**WARNING before you read: Yes, I know I'm a nerd.  I have come to terms with it and I embrace it.**

Oprah has been having some teenage heartthrobs on her show.  Today The Backstreet Boys were on and they brought back Kevin to complete the 5 members we grew up with.  Dana and I were texting while they were on about the show which very much reminded me of our adolescence when we would talk on the phone or watch them together.  Still, after all the time, I still really enjoy listening to their music.  I still find Nick so cute.  I still can identify with the music.

The first concert I went to was 10 years ago (age 16) at the Pepsi Arena in Albany (which is now the Times Union Center)The last concert that I went to was 5 years ago (yes, at age 21) at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. It was so funny to see the younger girls singing and dancing at the concert.  But it was also nice that a group I grew up listening to still is acquiring new following.

My husband still teases me because I record them when they're on.  A few months ago a concert was on one of the higher channels and I sat pretzel legged on the floor just like I did as a teenager, watching them on the television, and gushing over them like a young girl.

I gave a speech at Dana's wedding and even quoted some Backstreet Boys because it was a huge part of our growing up and teenage years.  It makes me sad to see some of the role models the kids have today.  Granted, the role models of 10-20 years ago had their issues and the increase of technology and other advancements just makes it more prevalent.  I worry for my students who are on the cusp of their teenage adolescence.  What "celebrity" models are they listening to?  What is the quality of the lyrics in their songs?  I mean, BSB was risque with some of their song lyrics but nothing as suggestive as some of the songs today.  And while there has always been suggestive songs and inappropriate lyrics that kids are listening to, I think that being an adult opens up ones eyes to the exposure to children.  I don't really know where I'm going with this so I'm just going to end this rant here because I just don't know.

But it was good to see the Backstreet Boys on the show today.  I think I may even look into getting tickets to see them on tour.  I mean- it is about time.  It seems I go every 5 years and its been 5 years.  So, Dana- lets get some tickets and see a show!

Here's a video of one (of many) of my favorite songs of theirs:


Backstreet Boys - Shape of my heart
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