C.J., the Family Violinist

When C.J. was in 3rd grade, he asked if he could play the violin. No, I said, you have to learn the piano. We had a piano on loan from Marianne while her family was living in Germany. He took piano for two years from our dear friend and neighbor, Corri Hamilton. Corri reported that C.J. was really good at the piano, he had progressed much more quickly than other children his age. But C.J. didn't love it. It stressed him out. Especially the rhythm part...which stressed his mother out when he couldn't keep it.

After two years of piano lessons, Marianne moved back to the states and wanted her piano back, so we helped load it into her UHaul that took it to New Jersey. And C.J. still wanted to play the violin. So we signed up for before-school orchestra and shopped on KSL classifieds for a used 3/4 length violin. Turns out our 3/4 violin is really a full-size one. All well, he does just fine with it.

I am truly amazed what that orchestra teacher was able to do with those kids. They met just twice a week for 45 minutes. And they did so well!

He did orchestra this year again in 6th grade, this time it was his first period all year long. The kids all adore their teacher, Mr. Cox, and C.J. has signed up for Orchestra II for 7th grade. He loves it!

I couldn't find any great photos of C.J. with him violin, but this is him with a HUGE sundae at Leatherby's after his spring orchestra concert.