I suppose there were art exercises included in the curriculum while I was in elementary school. I however do not recall one elementary teacher who was interested in cultivating my art talents. My mother's circle of friends included artists, musicians, and singers. We children were always included in the music
There were teachers interested in music, singing and reading so I concentrated on those avenues of creativity. My parents arranged for piano lessons when I was in the fourth grade. My piano teacher, Mrs. Geraldine Jones, was a strict and demanding teacher. I took lessons from her for 3 years but did not enjoy the experience. I did, however, learn from her and I did retain my ability to play the piano but just strictly for myself!
I was introduced to a musical instrument called a Tonette (much like a Recorder) when I was in fifth grade. It was required that every student wishing to join the school band learn to read music and learn fingering techniques on the Tonette. I can still hear "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" being played in unison (poorly) by 25 students in one classroom. But we played it over and over and over again until we (25 of us) could play it perfectly. Then and only then would we be allowed move on to another song to perfect. I believe it worked! By the time my class was ready for Junior High School and the school band we were already accomplished musicians (so to speak!)
My enthusiasm was high about playing in the marching band in Junior High School and I was given a clarinet to play. I really wanted to play a brass instrument but because my older brother, Bryan, had played the clarinet, also my older sister, Geneva, ... naturally I would play the clarinet! My younger brother, Jerry, however, was allowed to play both French horn and baritone! I played for three years in junior high and then three years in high school. I loved it!
Because I could read music I was encouraged to join the school chorus. I did just that and enjoyed singing with the high school choral group. I knew that I would never become a great singer. I was happily surrounded by really good alto singers and could sing right along with them but I was not confident to become a soloist! My brother Jerry, on the other hand, had a strong Baritone voice and was very talented! He sang as a soloist and also with the high school quartet. We both were selected for New Mexico All State Chorus.
Our high school band director was Mr. John Buholts. His real interest was orchestra but our high school did not provide stringed instruments used in an orchestra. Mr. Buholts trained us to become a orchestral band and we loved it too! The marching band was what our community wanted since Hobbs was such a fanatical football town and still is today! Our band booster club even provided us with a greyhound-type bus painted in school colors and sporting "Hobbs High School Eagle Band" on the sides. I still have a photo of that somewhere! Upon graduation I had earned a music scholarship at Eastern New Mexico University. The scholorship did not fit into my fine arts plan so it did not help much!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you will click on this gallery photo below to see more of my art websites and paintings. Don't forget to come back here to read my journal blog! http://patlblair.webs.com/
Monday, June 9, 2008
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WORKSHOP "CREATING & KEEPING ART JOURNALS " MAY 27,2011 . CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
GALLERY & STUDIO SALES
My Gallery/ Studio is in my home and I am fairly successful in selling my work by having an open house studio/gallery reception about twice a year (one in the Summer and one in early winter.) I find it fun to do and usually set a three hour time for the gallery sale to run. I serve wine and cheeses and spend a lot of time visiting with my friends and neighbors. (Sixteen of my paintings sold in my last sale during a three hour time period!)
Let me know if you'd like to be on my invitation list.
Just email me at: blair432@charter.net.
Let me know if you'd like to be on my invitation list.
Just email me at: blair432@charter.net.
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