The Trumpet

One of our daughters is learning to play the trumpet.  The trumpet is a perfect fit for her personality and she is so empowered by having the opportunity to play it.   In reality, she has always been a trumpet player.   She has played constantly, at full volume and in a key all her own.  Maybe that is why it was not easy to get her settled in a family for many years.  I am just sorry that no one noticed her trumpet playing qualities earlier.  She has huge potential to be the most fantastic trumpet player with a little direction.  She needs to play only when it is the trumpet's turn.  She needs to learn how to control its volume and the notes.  Her gifts of being outgoing, wonderfully expressive and full of surprise outbursts are a great asset to our family.  She has needed to be appreciated for her distinctive qualities while having them tuned so that they can shine in a way that the rest of us can hear her music.

We are all part of an orchestra in our village.  Sometimes it is difficult to fully appreciate the other instruments, especially if the players are learning and do not have skilled direction.  We need a variety of different instruments to fully play the richness of music.  Not all the instruments play at the same time.   Sometimes certain instruments are in the background or have to wait a long time for their turn.  A well placed cymbal can bring power to a piece of music.  The double bass gives wonderful depth of sound.  An orchestra benefits from a wide range of instruments to be fully expressive.

We had a great family dinnertime conversation discussing the instruments we are drawn to and which help to define us.  Another daughter has always wanted to play the harp.  Another is a flute and violin player.  Another likes the piano.  I love playing the guitar.  Each instrument is unique and brings delight and fullness in its own way.  Some instruments are an acquired taste over time.   Look out for the natural music coming from the heart and personality of your children and yourself.  Learn to appreciate and respect the varied sounds coming from the  different instruments. Use your imagination for what a bit of practice and skill will bring.  Help each person learn to fully play their own instrument effectively and with joy so that they can bring richness to the orchestra of your family.