I've been meaning to comment on Rhoda's question below, but I thought it better to create a new post, as you wouldn't want to miss this.
I remember Dad explaining why he took up the violin. He loved watching fiddlers, especially those on the Hee Haw show. They made it look so easy - anybody ought to be able to do it, if they just make up their mind to and then practice a lot. Well, one of the first things he learned from his teacher is you have to have a "good ear" in order to play the violin. Mom then tells the story of Dad's experience in high school Chorus. The teacher introduced the first song and Dad belted it out as loud as he could. The teacher said, "Let's try again, but this time, Ralph, turn the volume down a bit." Which he did. Again the teacher asked he turn down the volume yet a little more. This process kept repeating until Dad was merely moving his lips, at which time the teacher proclaimed, "Now THAT was PERfect!"
Needless to say, Dad's career as a violinist was short-lived!
2 comments:
Cathy,
I think you've said it well. He was an Agriculturist, not a violinist. About 50 years ago he taught Sunday School in the old Chicago Church on Sunnyside. They were caught one Sunday with no Song-leader so they begged Dad to lead. He did. He was hurt and often said "they never once asked me again".
Cleve
I knew Uncle Ralph was an agriculturist instead of a violinist, but it interesting to see the different interests of people that are very different from the public image.
His choir experience reminds me of an episode of Andy Griffith.
Again, this blog is a great avenue to learn more stories, although trivial, from our family.
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