*Siobhan is a Rock Star*

I started playing the violin when I turned 5. Our next door neighbor and her husband were both teachers and members of the symphony. I took private lessons until I was about 15 or 16. I was very encouraged by both my parents and my teacher. She pulled some strings to get me in the elementary school orchestra before I was old enough. I attended University of the Pacific Music camp in the summers thanks in part to my grandparents help. I played in countless recitals, both as a soloist and a member of the orchestra. I auditioned and played in the Central Coast Section Cal State Honors Orchestra several years. I played with the Defense Language Institute Pan cultural Orchestra and what used to be called the Monterey County Honors Orchestra. When I got into high school I took up the trombone so I could be in marching band. That's where all the cute boys were. That's also where the real action was, they got to take lots of trips. I did get to go to Hawaii my freshman year as part of the orchestra. It was my first plane trip and a huge deal. I enjoyed playing but as I got older I was not as passionate about it and after endless excuses to skip lessons, I stopped.The last time I played with an orchestra was my senior year in high school. Now that I'm older though and it isn't something I'm being asked to do, I really love playing. It's not often but if I had the chance I would LOVE to play with a group.

My neighbor also used to give us two tickets for performances of the Monterey County Symphony. These were great nights for my Dad and I. We got dressed up, my dad had a suit that my ken doll also had. No kidding, the same suits, pure coincidence. I seem to remember my mom having me wear a velvet cape. Also, another good topic for the week. We would go and enjoy the music but the best part was ice cream after. I cannot tell you how much fun we had and how hard we would laugh. Anything is funny with my Dad. Both my parents spent a lot of time traveling to auditions and performances. I really did appreciate that, music was one of the best parts of my growing up and I hope for the same experiences for my kids.

Siobhan started band last year. She started out with clarinet, then was hoping for trumpet(there's always someone cute in the trumpet section!), and finally has settled on french horn. Last night was her Christmas performance and I can't believe how great they sounded. I am amazed that most of the students came into the class not knowing how to play anything and they have all really worked at it. I won't push her, but I really hope that she develops a love for playing music. I want to go to concerts with her and out to ice cream. She is also going to skip PE in the last semester this year and take guitar. She really wants to be in a rock band and is obsessed with the fact that Pete has actually toured and recorded CD's. She actually asked him a few nights ago, " If you were still in your band, do you think we would move a lot?" I loved it. Whatever she chooses I will support her, I'm ready for my term as "band mom". I don't think Oscar has much interest in music, he's all science-y, Hans has definite interest, he wants to buy a CD from last night because he really likes one of the songs, Olive? last night she spent her time outside roaming the halls with her Dad. I WANT TO PEE! LET"S GET OUT OF HERE! I CAN WALK ON MY OWN! She kind of sounded like my aunt who once came to one of my concerts. Don't be mad Mom, it is funny. So, I am really proud of Siobhan. I had a hard time getting any good pictures, we were far back but someone else had posted a video of last years performance on YouTube and Siobhan just happens to be in it so if you're interested, you can see it here.