Quincy’s First Cello Recital

Quincy picked up the cello this fall and I found a student teacher to help her get going via weekly private lessons and monthly group lessons. Quincy performed the Twinkle variation in a recital in Fayetteville, today. Some might argue that those Twinkles get old, but these Suzuki teachers love twinkle. It’s the heart and soul of the Suzuki school of music, and as Ms Holly S tells her orchestra students, “it’s never just music.” It’s so much more! Quincy sat up on a stage, all by herself, today, and performed a solo to an audience in a church. She practiced and prepared. She had a contracted accompanist. She was delighted to see her name in print on a program. She is a  cellist! She played so well. After the solo performances, the three instructors called up all of their students (and siblings of students...anyone with an instrument, come one come all) to sight read some Christmas carols together from the kaleidoscope book. But first, because this is a Suzuki school, ALL musicians at any skill level to come up and play the marathon of twinkle variations together. The advanced students did it too, because they are married to these rhythms and this little tune. I understand why. It’s the first thing you play, and you can play it even after very limited instruction. It’s inclusive. It’s back to the basic fundamentals of the craft. Those high schoolers played advanced harmonies and the beginners played the basics. I’ve always thought it was kind of odd the way the twinkle variations are so celebrated, and as a Suzuki student myself, I was soooo twinkled our as a 17 year old. Now I understand. It’s the lifeblood of the program. Look at Quincy up there, playing with some 10 year string students. She is a 10 WEEK string student. And they made music together and it was beautiful. 

It’s more than just music. 

Quincy’s first solo was just a wonderful experience for her.  Your hard work is paying off, Quincy! You are learning! Keep going!