Can you Play an Instrument?
“Can you play an Instrument”?… The first question asked by our music master, at my first class, in my first year at the “big school” (where at 11 years of age I had to wear long trousers).
With enthusiasm my hand shot up. “What can you play”? He asked, “The Banjo, Sir” ….He looked surprised…”That’s unusual, OK stand at the front of the class with the other boys.”
At this point I should explain that I had never touched a banjo in my life, and couldn’t read music. But I had watched a load of George Formby films during the summer and playing a banjo seemed really easy. All you had to do was lean on a lamppost, smile and strum your fingers over the strings…. I knew I could do that, I just didn’t have the banjo to prove it.
I stood in front of the whole class, at the end of a line with 3 other boys. Each boy was given the opportunity to demonstrate his skills to the class. One played the piano, and the others played a guitar and then a recorder. As they played I watched my friends in the class who all had big broad grins on their faces, as they all knew I couldn’t play a thing.
When it came to me, the music teacher apologised that he didn’t have a banjo. (Phew, I thought, that’s a relief…… because I was starting to have doubts about this). “But I HAVE got a Ukulele which is similar”……GULP!
He handed the Ukulele to me and looked really puzzled. “Are you left handed, McNally”?…….”No Sir”…….”Well I’ve never seen anyone hold a Ukulele like that! Never mind, do you want some sheet music”?……..”No Sir”……”That’s good, play a piece you know then.”
Right this is it. I was terrified, but I was also too scared to run away!
I started to strum the ukulele just like George Formby, except this horrible cacophony of jarred and wobbly notes came out. By this stage the class were roaring with laughter. The music teacher immediately stopped me. “You can’t play the banjo at all, can you McNally”!….”No Sir”…….”Then why did you say you could”?……..”Don’t know Sir”"………..”You’re an IDIOT McNally! …. SIT DOWN”.
Highly embarrassed I sat down, but I was known as Banjo Boy for a long time afterwards.
Marathon Runner, Drinker and Artist, Blogging for Pleasure and Profit.
Well, ‘Banjo Boy’ a very funny story and what a great memory to have.
Glad you liked it Margaret. My nephew Ben sometimes goes by the name "BanjoMan" in honour of his mad uncle. John[Reply]
Hi John,
Great story and well told, brought back a few memories of my father telling a tale but about himself when he was a school teacher and smoked a pipe. when one child put his hand up and said ”please sir, you’re on fire” Don’t be impertinent Smithers (oops The simpsons) ‘but sir you are on fire’ came the nervous reply, i often wondered what nickname the children had for my Dad after that episode?
Lots of useful content on your site for newbies like me! thanks a lot for visiting my site and i shall return to pick your brains! and enjoy watching a few fun oldies like George Formby too
regards
Richard Davy
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be Richard, but it's all we've got! John[Reply]
If you really like the ukulele see the Ukulele Orchestra of GB. They perform such numbers as Anarchy in the UK – somewhat surreal.
Thanks for the tip. They are coming to the Spa Centre on Sunday 9th May, and I can't wait to see them. Should be a good laugh.
John[Reply]
John McNally
Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Saw them at the Spa Centre, Leamington. They did “Life on Mars” by David Bowie, and tracks by the Sex Pistols. As you said, surreal but a great laugh.
John
[Reply]
Hi John,
Well you are a deep thinker aren’t you, and a very talented artist as well. I now realise that you had your tongue firmly in your cheek when you welcomed me to the MC forum and stated it took you 12 months to add your website and blog links.
I am not a blog hopper, I like to try to read all posts and get a feel for the person. Your’s are certainly diverse and entertaining, in fact I would say your blog should be held up as an example of what level MC students should aspire to, it certainly puts mine to shame.
I particularly like your posts on the universe and the one of 05.12.09 on galaxies was awesome and makes you realise how insignificant we are. The thinking that we are alone in the universe is arrogant and there are too many credible witnesses that can dispute this theory.
Having an interest in all things celestial through completing a Royal Yacht Association, Yachtmaster Ocean course on celestial navigation, most of which I have forgotten, I have to say that you are far more knowledgable than myself about the subject. We used to call Cassiopeia – the drunken W, my own favourite constellation has always been Orion.
The best view I ever had of the night sky was on a night sail from the Shetland Isles to the Orkney Islands, with no light pollution to obstruct the panorama of the heavens.
Other posts of yours that interested me was the 14.03.09 on prosate cancer, I have a PSA test every year as part of an annual mot.
I see we have a number of things in common – both being self-employed for most of our lives, enjoying sport, real ale and also being atheists.
Your marathon time of 2 hours 41 minutes when 40 years old is very impressive and the best of luck on your 18th in Paris.
I have recently watched the Eddie Izzard docomentary on his incredible feat of 43 marathons in 51 days at 47 years old, what a guy!
I shall return.
Regards,
Bill
Phew Bill! Yours is the longest comment I've ever had, but thanks for taking such an interest in my blog.Actually I didn't have my tounge in cheek when I talked about the website links in the Masterclass forum. I really have only just discovered how to do it, but once I entered the websites to my signature the software backdated the links to every comment I made, (which was nice)!
I'm glad you found my blog "diverse and entertaining", I think you hit on the two words that describe my blog philosophy. When I started the blog I soon realised that I would get bored stiff just writing about 'Internet Marketing'. As the Masterclass advises writing regular posts, I thought the only way I could do that is by only writing on subjects that interest me. The blog grew like Topsy since then.
I'm jealous of your sea-faring skills. I'm not a good traveller on the sea, but I know that you get brilliant views of the stars from the ocean. As you said, no light pollution makes a massive difference. I like Orion as well, and have written a post about the "horses head" which is just below Orion's belt of 3 stars.
Got to go now, I'm off to have a look at your blog. Good luck with the Masterclass.John
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Hi John, I play the trombone…..really, I do!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
I'm jealous Mandy, I wish I could play an instrument. On the other hand not being able to play a tromobone when I was a kid, may have been funnier than not playing a ukulele!
John [Reply]