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WALLACEBURG ARTS: Music can be a family affair

Over the several years that I’ve had the privilege to pen this column, I’ve mentioned some of my greatest musical experiences from both a performing standpoint as well as that of being an audience member. 

Every once in a while, I start reminiscing and attempt to rank my experiences but it’s an impossible task, with one exception that I will get to. 

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Music can be a family affair Back to video

Amongst my greatest playing memories would have to be the opportunity to play the Vice-Regal Salute for Governor General Lincoln Alexander, playing the Star-Spangled Banner by myself at centre field of the Pontiac Silverdome, the opportunity to lead and play with the Brass Factory for our Salute to the Bob Jacks Orchestra in 1995 and every playing of the Last Post. 

On a weighted scale, each of those experiences I will rank as equal. 

However, the apex of my list of my favourite moments in music is an easy choice, and that is the many opportunities I’ve had to make music with my family. 

Many families develop mutual interests in a particular sport or other activity such as fishing, boating, motor sports etc. that they take part in and enjoy together.  

For me and my family, and likely not shockingly, it’s been music. 

Now to be clear, I do not come from much of a “musical” family.  

My mother took piano lessons as a kid and learned to play Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” by rote, but that’s all I ever heard her play. It became a running joke between us. 

My sister Patty also took a few piano lessons as a kid and all she could ever play was the........

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