Dunnnn duhdundun!
(if you didn't know, that's calvin. and also me. on a byui webpage. claim to fame?? i know because of the mole on my right hand. and because i sat on the end.)
I'm not sure why I declared April 12th as the Calvinhorn's birthday, but I'm pretty sure it corresponds with the day I eagerly made my way home (thru the woods and across a highway and then over a couple fences and around a park...all shortcuts, i assure you) and saw him sitting in the living room.
My very own French horn had finally arrived!
I bought him on recommendation from my horn teacher. Actually, my horn teacher picked him out of a catalog and the Grandpa Leo supplied the funds.
Oh it was excitement playing a shiny brand spankin' new horn! So exciting I wrote a poem.
*ahem*
The French horn sounds like a cow giving birth.
I wonder why it was brought upon this earth.
Some people say it sounds so mellow.
I think it sounds like wobbly Jello.
And there you have it. From the mind of a sixth grader.
I really have loved playing the horn (despite the tone of that poem...) though it wasn't my first choice. The saxophone won that round. But, the curse of "alphabetical order" struck that day and, well, as a 'W' I wasn't poised well for the draft. By the time I rolled into the band room, it was down to the horn and some other instrument. I went with the horn solely based on the fact that it was in better shape and I was a vain little fifth grader. Though I don't think any kid would honestly choose to play a rusty old whatever it was.
I'm pretty sure Calvin got his name when I was in college based on my favorite comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes. He had to be a boy seeing as how much time I spent lip-locked with him everyday. Please ignore how creepy that sounds, considering Calvin is a six-year-old. The Elizabethfriend named her horn Hobbes. They were best buds.
And that's that. Calvin and I are still pals. Pulled him out today in honor of his birthday even! I don't play as often as I did in college but I'm determined to never lose my "embouchure". Forget about Calvin in the corner of some old closet. Playing the horn has given me some great opportunities and continues to bless my life and, I'd like to think, others lives as well. (when i'm not sounding like a cow giving birth...)
On that note, here's this:
My new horn inspiration. Isn't he cute?? I was waiting for my flight home in the DC airport several weeks ago when I heard it, the distinct sound of a horn.
My first thought was "Really? What high schooler is trying to get some practice time in??". Kind of annoyed. But then I realized they were playing all sorts of patriotic songs and fun oldies and I creeped around a souvenir stand for a closer look.
There he was. All set up and humbly adding his piece to the bustle of terminal B. I loved him. And I don't know if I'll have the guts to just sit and play in a busy airport when I'm his age, but I sure hope I'm at least still playing.
Happy Birthday Calvin!
**Side note, just found an article about that French horn player here.
Have a great day :-)
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