String theory

I was disappointed to read that the Spokane School District has decided to cancel the Band and Strings Spectacular.

In the early 1950s I decided to try to play the violin. My grandmother was very pleased and told everyone she knew I had “raw musical talent.” Her brother, Paul Derr, had a violin shop in downtown Spokane in those days and he was supportive of my idea by lending me one of his handmade violins for the school year.

Well, it didn’t take long for me to realize I would rather do something else than practice the violin. My “raw musical talent” was more “raw” than “musical.”

When it came time for the annual performance all the young violin virtuosos lined up to go onto the stage, the violin teacher pulled me aside and told me to watch how everyone was moving their bow back and forth and to do the same thing, but, “Don’t let the bow touch the strings.” It was years later that I finally realized what she was not saying.

Stan E. Hughes

Spokane Valley