I used to play the clarinet.
I was once upon a time pretty good at it.
I was first chair in the University of Pacific Band and Orchestra.
But now my arthritic fingers won’t cover the holes.
I can’t get a B natural out of it for love nor money!
Unlike the saxophone, the clarinet keys require finger covers.
When I had to put my instrument in the closet and say
Good-bye to my clarinet playing days. I was sad.
But I have an enormous appreciation for good clarinetists.
They don’t come much better than Artie Shaw!
Do go up there and click to listen to his rendition
of “My Heart Stood Still” And sing along!
MY HEART STOOD STILL
Songwriters: Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart
I took one look at you
That’s all I meant to do
And then my heart stood still
My feet could step and walk
My lips could move and talk
And yet my heart stood still
Though not a single word was spoken
I could tell you knew
That unfelt clasp of hands
Told me so well you knew
I never lived at all
Until the thrill of that moment
When my heart stood still
I took one look at you
That’s all I meant to do
And then my heart stopped right there
My feet could step and walk
My lips could move and talk
And yet my heart stood still
Though not a single word was spoken
I could tell you knew
That unfelt claps of hands
Told me so well you knew
I never lived at all
Until the thrill of that moment
When my heart stood still
Sally and I were in the Turlock Junior Band
as well as the Turlock High School Band.
Many years of fond musical memories!
Did you play an instrument when you were in school?
Do you play it still?
Embrace the Clarinet!
It’s a great instrument!!
What did you do today?
I hope you had a great Monday.
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
Love,
JanBeek
P.S.
Here is a solo I was once able to play
when I was at UOP
and practicing my clarinet
several hours every day.
I admire musicians who are able
to keep their skills alive their whole lives long.
Any skill requires practice to maintain mastery.
What skills do you practice to keep them alive?
MIne are cooking and writing.
I can do those even though my fingers are gnarled!
Comments on: "Embrace the Clarinet" (8)
My oldest played the clarinet for a year and my youngest daughter played half a semester. She liked the piano and played for 7 years. I can play the radio, that’s about all. 😂
Hah! <3
🤣😂
Great recording. I think you know what skills I now practice. I once drew a lot, but no longer have the necessary fine motor control, so have changed my style.
I’m glad you are sharing your photography and writing skills with the blogging world… and you’re pretty good selecting the right beverage to go with the Culinary Queen’s meals, too! Keep honing that one, {{{Derrick}}} <3
🙂 x
Listening to Artie Shaw really brought back some wonderful memories. I used to wake up every morning listening to that music. As you know, I played a few instruments. I played the violin from age 9 and the piano and of course I still sing (but not often enough). I can still play the violin and the piano but not very well! I think with some practice I could bring it back.
Someday when you retire from your time-consuming jobs (including the dog-sitting one), you will have the time and the inclination to revisit those skills. Your voice is such a gift from God. Do not neglect it!! <3