Yes, My Son Plays The Accordian....

Ok...Thanks to my computer geek friend Freee : P  I, an electronically challenged individual, learned how to get Spencers music wav. here.  Thanks for your patience Freee... xo  For some reason it sounds a bit distorted/funky; but I consider it a success just being able to link it.  Accordian Blues: Click here to listen...

Spencer began playing the accordian in Kindergarten.  He could play/read music before he could read the written word.  I never intended to start him in music lessons so young, but I felt he needed a boost in self-esteem.  You see, because of frequent ear infections that caused scarring, at the age of three Spencer was diagnosed as moderately hearing impaired with speech/language delays.  Most people could not understand him, including me, unless I knew what the topic was.  Sometimes he would become so frustrated trying to communicate, that he would flop down on the floor crying, "You don't hear me...."  One day Spencer came home from preschool in tears.  When I asked him what was the matter, he told me "a kid said 'ga ga goo goo' to me."  I almost cried while comforting him and decided that he needed something more.  Something more than just the speech therapy he was receiving.  So I decided to sign him up for piano lessons, Spencer had other ideas.... 

We walked in to sign him up for piano lessons & Spence walked out with a little blue accordian instead.  He instantly took to the accordian and often would fall asleep with it strapped to his chest.  After only playing for a few months, he would bring it into Kindergarten to perform for the other kids.  As he progressed in his speech therapy and music, he bloomed into a child who wanted to participate in life instead of just observe on the sidelines.  By the end of first grade (age 7) it was no longer apparent that he was speech delayed.  That was also the year he won his first trophy competing with his accordian.  He played the "Too Fat Polka."

Fast Forward to last weekend:  Spencer is still playing his accordian.  For the past 10 years we have gone to the Marriott in Newton for a weekend of competitions and performing festivals.  Over 3,000 students and their families from all over the east coast attend this weekend.  This year Spencer won 3rd place in his standard category and 1st in the pop category.  He's especially proud of that one, because it's his fourth year in a row winning 1st in that category.  He is involved with a progressive music studio that encourages kids to not only learn to play an instrument, but perform.  The band he's currently in has toured/performed in Ireland, San Diego, Disney World (6 times), last year they went to Quebec Canada and this year it's off to Little Bavaria in Frankenmuth, Michigan.  

I always worried that as he got older the accordian wouldn't be cool.  Maybe a reason to tease?  But that's never been the case.  He's popular because of his ability to play.  Maybe it helps that he's also a 6' 200lb athlete? lol   He got a standing ovation the last time he performed at the school, kids throw money in his case.  His friends who play the electric guitar & drums come over and jam.  And probably most important when you're 16 yrs old?   The girls just love a musician....    

::::Ok, brag over..... passing out the puke bags, lol::::