Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com
Written and photographed by Toby Snelgrove
Busking at Robson Square
As an adult, I use to live in a community where what you had, where you went, and what you did was more important than who you were. It was all about conspicuous consumption. Moving to Mayne Island pleasantly ended all that. However, seeing two very young female violin buskers at Robson Centre brought back some unpleasant memories of when I put my child in violin lessens at age 3.
Honestly, I think my motivation had more to do with were I lived than it being a good idea for my daughter. No, she didn’t like it. I am still doing penance. (How many times does a parent have to apologize for a decision made for a child that now seems like a bad idea?) So I was quite curious about the smiles on their faces and the bounce in their step as they wowed anyone within earshot of their playing, because, that joy was what I wanted for my child.
Elan and Brigit just having fun
The two female buskers from Lynn Valley, Elan (left) and Brigit, were playing Celtic music. My old school thinking revealed itself when I asked “What else do you play?” “Nothing, we just play Celtic Music.” Duhh, why would I think they played Vivaldi? I discovered that they were members of the North Shore Celtic Ensemble who had been entered into the Scotland Youth Festival in Aberdeen. Their busking was to raise funds to finance their trip.
Bridegert's mother keeping watch
As I talked to the girls, I noted an adult off to the side watching me like a hawk. Yes, it was Bridget’s mother, Susan. “The thing about music”, mom started, “is that my daughter has only played fiddle. She doesn’t play any classical (i.e, not violin). So she doesn’t have all the whipping that goes along with all that. With my daughter, she just loves to play”.
‘Ouch’ I thought. I didn’t let it show, but I felt like crap. What were we thinking back then when we signed my daughter up for one more year of “it’s time to practice”. And that’s what it really was for me – “I need you to keep this up.”
An appreciative audience
As I left the girls playing to the small gathering of people, their joy was transparent: they had smiles on their faces, their feet were stomping, and their bodies were moving in sync to the music. They were having fun and this after 9 years of lessons. Maybe if I let my daughter fiddle at her lessons, she may be still playing and smiling today. But as far as I am concerned, she was a true Olympian to keep it up for as long as she did.
