Ice Skating Lessons

A pair of hand-me-down figure skates with home made pom-poms was the incentive for my father to take me ice skating at Hudson County Park for the very first time when I was 6 years old. As he held my hand to steady me on the ice I observed the crowd of experienced skaters easily gliding along singly and in pairs. As we slowly made our way from the shore to what seemed to be the middle of the lake, my father suddenly let go of my hand, much to my surprise, and sent me gliding off on my own … gliding….. gliding………. alone.................... all alone ………..……… to success! ............................... I delighted in the thrilling astonishment that I was actually balancing and skating in a straight line all by myself. The event is one of my favorite moments to recall – one of the highlights of my childhood.

The experience bears a slight parallel to my current orchestra efforts and how delighted I am to know that I’m developing increasing skills. As with skating, I guess I’ve discovered that the best way to learn is to be smack dab in the middle of it and just do it.

Yes, the Pops is back in the swing of things this fall, after a long summer break. The repertoire for our December holiday concert is an interesting and eclectic collection, but all seemingly within my reach.

… on to practicing.