Humor-esque
Playing “Humoresque” in front of a tough audience is one of the most embarrassing yet fulfilling events of my artistic life.
I had my second violin recital last Saturday. Papa, Kuyang, my violin classmates, PH classmate and barkada Ruthie, my maestro, and strangers who would seemingly represent if not constitute the entire nation, watched my ultimate humiliation. Kuyang even immortalized it with our video cam.
Starting the day right, I woke up late for my lesson at 10 am. I only had 15 minutes to prepare for that class and my fabulous performance that afternoon, and I haven’t even had my practice for my recital, much less for the orchestra. But still, I kept my natural, slow pace, as always, as I thoroughly caressed my body in the bathroom, meticulously set my long black hair, ironed my pink manly shirt, looked for a pair of black leather shoes. I came to UST an hour late.
I have good vibes with my maestro that day, like every week that we meet. People were smiling at me when I clumsily entered the classroom. They actually stopped what they’re playing just for me (Aaawww, they like me!) and waited until I was ready. Was it because of the pink shirt? I guess. It was starting out just right. I was with my violin classmates the whole time until the right moment came.
I think this group of different sorts of individuals will be my kind of gang for the next few years. I was quite grateful that our common teacher united us this way. I’ve always said to them, “Buti na lang at pinagsama-sama tayo ni Sir… pwede na natin siyang pagkaisahan! Hahaha!” Kidding aside, I think if I were to be given an opportunity to study or work abroad right now, I would have second thoughts of accepting it. I can not cease to ignore the potential this clan I am with every Saturdays has.
Anyway, so I was again in the recital hall that afternoon, feeling awkward due to my lack of practice and confidence. When I looked into the programme, I saw my name as the tenth recitalist. It was a good sign. Last recital, I was third in line, and the beginners are always prioritized. I also observed that we were a better variety – we had a guitarist, two trumpeters, four violinists (including moi) a young pseudo-premadonna, and seven pianists. Unfortunately, I still was the oldest.
What made me more anxious was the that trumpeter before me gave me an awkward prelude with his loud finale. When I was on stage, I realized that I could not tune my own violin that I had to walk toward my teacher and ask him to tune it. I had a weak start, which made my entire performance weak. I also had notes that were completely out of tune. I sometimes apologize for the inexpensiveness of my instrument. Fine maple wood gives superior sound quality, they said.
I do not need anyone to tell me my “areas of improvement” on that performance. Watching the recorded video footage, I know that my posture was inferior, my facial expressions showed too much uneasiness, I obviously reacted to every mistake I made, and worst of all, I was flabby and fat.
That’s it, I said. I’m a mediocre, as I chose to be. Unrehearsed and tense as I was during my first recital, my smart look did not cover my flaws. Oh well. But I was happy, though, for Ruthie, also inspired to pursue learning the violin, saw me perform – I have become an inspiration to humanity. Chenes.
I was surprised when my teacher sent me a message, bidding his congratulations and asking how I felt. It was really heartwarming of him (Aaaww, he likes me…). We agreed that I need to get rid of my stage fright and practice some more. As he said, It’s all part of the game. So, as a result of this heartwarming exchange to text messages, I was opt to have my next recital on Saturday at
I decided to play “Humoresque” again not only for the sake of my own “humor,” but also for the sake of perfection. As I quote my repeater classmate in San Beda, “It is sweeter the second time around.”
I hope that this time I have more hours of practice and ego boosting. So I’d better end this post and go home (I’m still in the office hehehe).
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