Taneal's Viola Concert

When Taneal started the 5th grade she was given the opportunity to pick a string instrument and have free lessons at her elementary school twice a week. She chose the viola. And I was a happy mom because of her decision. She had been leaning towards the violin, but when she heard all the instruments played, she decided she liked the sound of the viola better. It plays about an octave lower than the violin and doesn't screech nearly as much. And considering I was 9 months pregnant with FIVE loud children, my nerves were to the point that having a nice sounding instrument that didn't screech much, was good. Very good.

She started out playing the instrument without the bow. She learned to pluck. And as soon as she got somewhat good at plucking, around Christmas time, they handed over the bow. By this point she knew how to play pretty decent. Because it was a viola, we had happy sounds in our home. I was also no longer pregnant. Amazing how that changes things.

By the end of the school year, Taneal could play amazingly well. She plays songs, can do scales, and sounds really well. It is awesome to me to see my little baby girl grow up and be so talented.

 It did take some serious dedication. She had to be at the school at 7am on Mondays and Thursdays. If she missed a class, she couldn't come back without a written note. And if she missed more than two classes, they would kick her out of the program. Put that threat on top of the cost of a viola, and Taneal missed only two classes this whole year. On days she didn't feel well or if we had a serious family trip  (like to the zoo or ice cream factory), I would have her go to orchestra practice and then pick her up before school started.

 It was pretty cool seeing Taneal in concert. Gathered for the concert were children from all the elementary schools in the school district. They sounded great.

I am excited that Taneal is going to be playing the viola as her elective in 6th grade. Considering how much she learned this year with lessons only twice a week, I can't imagine how much she will improve with daily lessons. Yes, I realize they are from the school which definitely isn't as good as private lessons, but with the talent that girl already has, she will be impressive to say the least.