My Boy, My Joy!

Last September when we signed up Joshua for our school's beginner concert band, the drummer position was already taken. We had not really a clear idea what other instrument he wanted to play and that we could afford it.  Well, like all things in our lives, the Lord knew it before we did.  Robert was able to get a saxophone tenner from Craig's List.  We had it tuned and got a few new gadgets for it (still need a new case) and Joshua was on his way to learn a new instrument (couldn't say he was happy as he really wanted to play snare drum instead).

At first, it was not so motivating for him to practice.  As you know, learning new keys and the handling of the saxophone and the biggest challenge - the blowing part of it is not that appealing to someone who really rather play drum.  If you have followed my blog for a while you know I am all for "one small bite at a time" kinda mom, so I agreed with Robert to let Joshua practice only 15 minutes per day to encourage him to play.  That seemed to work out fine for him.

Fast forward to this January, he practiced more than 15 minutes a day now and is loving the sound the instrument makes.  His blowing is under control and his diligence of practice earned him the respect from his peers and his teacher would always praise him and tells the class how daily practice is the key to learn any instrument and be good at it.  I no longer needed to remind him to practice.

Yesterday they performed alongside the children's choir, a patriotic theme for the coming memorial weekend.  It was such a joy to see how he has improved over the course of one school year.  He was offer to participate in a more advanced band and their first performance will be on June 4th.

I am so tickled when things works out like this. Praise be to God!

♥  ♥  ♥

This post is linked to Sharon's Just for the joy of it!