Orchestra

We all went to see Lauren performing in the junior orchestra, as part of a larger programme at the school. I think she did great, though it’s hard to pick her out among the collection of broadly related notes being played at any one time. She seemed to enjoy it, which is important, and I think she’ll like the sense of community it creates; the speeches and presentations to the teachers from some of the departing year 11s reminded me of my time at school. Sam seemed to have a good time too, particularly listening to the drums (his instrument), helped along by some sweets.

It was interesting to see the contrast between the average kids, who play one instrument with varying degrees of success, and the ones who really can do it. There were a couple of lads who accompanied various parts of the choir on piano with more talent than the average teacher torturing a tune out of a battered upright. One was also the trumpeter and band leader for the New Orleans Jazz Band, and the other was in the ukelele orchestra (for a lark, I suspect) and played something else I didn’t spot.