On Tuesday, May 31, I performed on the cello in public for the very first time.  My teacher, the lovely Ms. Ronda Armstrong, orchestrated a charming little recital for her music students in the library of the Stratford Montessori School in Nashville's Donelson area.  There were three very young piano students and two adult cello students who performed. 

Before the recital started, we did a quick practice in Ms. Armstrongs music room, and I totally bombed on every piece.  Thankfully, I've always accepted this as a good omen.  I always wind up playing well when this happens.  I guess I just needed to get all the nerves calmed down and ironed out. 

After the practice, all five of us walked in singe-file line to the library.  We sat in the back, and before too long, the show began.  On the piano, all the kids that played were just adorable.  Jordan Widener played "Donkey" and "It's Halloween".   Sam Crow played "Minuet and Trio" and "I've Been Wishing".  Later on, Bella Dobson performed "German Folk Song" and "Kangaroo Family".  Watching them reminded me of a couple of piano recitals that I did when I was young.  I hope all of them continue to perform music in one way or the other.  It's just a fun skill to have even if you don't do it professionally.

Then, it was time for the cellists to play.  I was on first and played two solo pieces ("Go Tell Aunt Rodie" and "May Song") while Ms. Ronda accompanied me on the piano.  Here's a photo.  (There's a look of determined Asian concentration on my face.) 

Thankfully, I didn't bomb at all.  Both pieces went smoothly.  There were a couple of things I wanted to improve upon but aside from that I was pleased with what I did.  Then, my friend and fellow cello student Caroline Cameron came up.  She played "Andantino" and "The Happy Famer" splendidly. 

At the very end, Caroline and I performed the beautiful "Rigadoon" together.  

Overall it was a memorable experience.  We all ate cookies and punch and chatted a good bit afterwards.  My Mom and I treated ourselves to some yummy Mexican food after we left. 

Of course, we took a group photo.  Pictured below from left to right are The Asian, Caroline Cameron, Jordan Widener, Sam Crow, Ronda Armstrong, and Bella Dobson .  .  .

My teacher informed me afterwards that we will do another recital at some point in time.  I hope to become an even better cellist until then, and someday, it will become a permanent fixture at my shows. 

Someday .  .  .