quark Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 (edited) Just so happy for my guy. He is playing with his jazz band of much older musicians at a restaurant tonight. He is on keys. He has performed for large audiences before but they were all within his college. This gig has me feeling so nervous for him. It will be an upscale crowd used to listening to very good musicians while he and his band are obviously still students. But his prof thinks they will be great and why he invited them to perform there. He might even monologue a Charles Mingus piece! In his newly cracking voice! Aargh. So nervous. So proud. And so clueless about what to wear as I plan to order some food and be one of the audience to support him. DH isn't in town so I have to do this alone. :willy_nilly: Edited April 21, 2016 by quark 27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 What a great opportunity! Just sit back and enjoy. Stay relaxed, stay steady and smile a lot. You don't want your nerves to spill over and effect your ds. The great thing about playing piano is that it's a really large instrument to "hide" behind. ;) Have a wonderful time! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quark Posted April 20, 2016 Author Share Posted April 20, 2016 What a great opportunity! Just sit back and enjoy. Stay relaxed, stay steady and smile a lot. You don't want your nerves to spill over and effect your ds. The great thing about playing piano is that it's a really large instrument to "hide" behind. ;) Have a wonderful time! :lol: Loved this, thank you. I'm going to pretend my heart out that I am very calm and cool and confident they will do well and not stumble over a note or over-improvise or that his voice will suddenly change pitch when it shouldn't lol. But my face shows every single emotion. It's so hard to hide. Maybe I should wear shades? :coolgleamA: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 (edited) :lol: Loved this, thank you. I'm going to pretend my heart out that I am very calm and cool and confident they will do well and not stumble over a note or over-improvise or that his voice will suddenly change pitch when it shouldn't lol. But my face shows every single emotion. It's so hard to hide. Maybe I should wear shades? :coolgleamA: People eating, chatting - or even listening intently - are probably not even going to notice a stumble. You might, as you've heard the music. Voice crackles on young teens are adorable! I think the fact that your ds's group will look obviously younger than the usual entertainment will actually be in their favour. People are very forgiving and impressed by young, talented musicians doing their best. Edited April 20, 2016 by wintermom 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quark Posted April 20, 2016 Author Share Posted April 20, 2016 People eating, chatting - or even listening intently - are probably not even going to notice a stumble. You might, as you've heard the music. Voice crackles on young teens are adorable! I think the fact that your ds's group will look obviously younger than the usual entertainment will actually be in their favour. People are very forgiving and impressed by young, talented musicians doing their best. Thank you wintermom. Feeling reassured! DS's group is made up of: one 13yo (DS, but looks older, about 16-17 is what most people think his age is) three 18+ yos one 25+ yo two 60+ year olds! He loves the age mix! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 Thank you wintermom. Feeling reassured! DS's group is made up of: one 13yo (DS, but looks older, about 16-17 is what most people think his age is) three 18+ yos one 25+ yo two 60+ year olds! He loves the age mix! That sounds like a really cool mix! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolate-chip chooky Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 What an incredible experience for your son! Once the first few bars are started, hopefully all nerves will settle and you'll all relax and enjoy this amazing experience and opportunity. And how wonderful to have such a mixed-age group! Credit to the others in the jazz group for being so non-ageist. I wish more of society didn't focus so much on age and instead focus on the person. I'm there in spirit with you and I wish you both a fabulous time. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellojwolford Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 How exciting! I'm lifting up prayers for your son (and you) that it is a fantastic night! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 Good luck to your ds! I am sure he will be great and what a wonderful opportunity for him! The age mix sounds like many of the "ensembles" my dd plays with. LOL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawyer&Mom Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 I think I know where the gig is. (My dad plays there frequently.) What a wonderful location! Hope you have/had a great time! And great food! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quark Posted April 21, 2016 Author Share Posted April 21, 2016 Thanks so much for the well wishes! It went well. He was emcee for his band too and made the audience laugh a few times. He doesn't rehearse these things (much to my chagrin) and sometimes talks like a runaway train but thankfully I think I am the only one holding him under a microscope (because I am mom!). I just smiled like everything was cool ha ha! It was lots of fun and he really loves doing this. And yes, so glad they are not ageist. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive of him (despite the stumbles and slightly crackly monologue). He gets along very well with older people and it was fortuitous that the crowd was mostly made up of seniors today. Lawyer&Mom, food was yummy! :001_smile: Thanks again everyone! :001_wub: 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 Your son reminds me often of my 24 year old nephew who plays piano, electric guitar and saxophone :) He is in Georgia Tech currently until end of May on exchange programme. At least you don't need to worry if he gives a speech at friends or relatives' weddings in the future. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoanHomeEd Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 He doesn't rehearse these things (much to my chagrin) and sometimes talks like a runaway train He was excited and spontaneous... it's jazz, mama! :thumbup1: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobeatenpath Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 What a fantastic opportunity. And lucky him for having such a supportive mother :hurray: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quark Posted April 21, 2016 Author Share Posted April 21, 2016 Thank you! Not able to multiquote on phone but yes...it IS jazz after all and so dependent on thinking on your feet and savoring the moment. :) Almost missed class this morning though because it was exhausting. We are both introverts and while we love a good opportunity like this one, it takes so much social energy! It was an amazing opportunity and one that I hope will keep him playing music for life. Thanks again! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoanHomeEd Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 We are both introverts and while we love a good opportunity like this one, it takes so much social energy! I totally get that! :001_smile: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 So glad that it went well and you both had a wonderful time! I also understand how exhausting it is putting yourself out there with your music. It energizes you, and then wipes you out completely. And being the mom cheering on the sidelines is nearly as emotional! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertflower Posted April 28, 2016 Share Posted April 28, 2016 That is so great quark. And good for you for going and supporting him. It would have made me nervous too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quark Posted April 28, 2016 Author Share Posted April 28, 2016 Sorry I couldn't like your post desertflower and thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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