Texas Folklife...

...and two of my favorite "little fiddlers."

Lesson in between waves of cyclers

For more than a decade now, riders cresting a hill in Belleville have been greeted by this incredibly humble--yet legendary--fiddler standing roadside playing (for four+ hours), smiling, and supporting the MS 150 cause.  Hundreds of riders stopped to get pictures and express their appreciation. 

This year, as part of the Texas Folklife Apprenticeship Program, Ella had the opportunity to join in and play with Mr. Robert, his son (Jonathan), and grandkids.  

Like father like son...good musical genes

 She had so much fun...

...and beat to her own drum.

To boot, she had her first "jam session"

"She could have [played] all night, she could have [played] all night and then have begged for more..."

So glad our paths crossed with this one-of-a-kind iconic musician--and his beautifully sweet family.  Another living tradition practiced and passed along.  Gotta love folklife!

BAYS

Yesterday, Ella auditioned for the Bay Area Youth Symphony and later that afternoon received an email that was music to our ears.

 

Dear Ella,

Thank you for auditioning for the Bay Area Youth Symphony. BAYS is pleased to offer you a position with the Preparatory Orchestra for the 2017-2018 season. To accept this position please respond to this e-mail....  

Special thanks to Mrs. Christa Razem (Bay Area Montessori House after school music teacher) for recommending she audition--and for having confidence in her, knowing she would only have a couple of days to practice a piece of Suzuki violin music she hadn't played in three years.  

She went in with butterflies and came out with smiles.  "It was a good day for a good day!"

Update on 10/10/17:  Ella had her first rehearsal a few weeks back, but with her recent confirmation of dyslexia, reading the music in small print left the words floating all over the page--and "a tornado in her head."