Piano Practice

 We are about five months into a two-instrument experiment with Gwyn, Elinor, and Gabriel, meaning Gwyn has added piano to violin; Elinor has added piano to viola; and Gabriel has begun studying piano in preparation for taking up the cello. Miriam has observed all this with an envious eye. Many a recent dinner she has dragged Lia away from the table, ordered her to bring a chair, and begun to pound the keys enthusiastically after setting up some sheet music or a random piano book from which to work. She pauses often and orders Lia to, "Clap! Clap!" she then bows her head many times in acknowledgment of this praise before continuing her performance. 

Today, however, Miriam's envious eye turned a little more discerning. Getting out her piano books and ordering Lia to drag over a chair, Miriam knelt up on the piano bench for her piano practice. Once Lia was comfortably settled, Miriam adopted the biggest frown she could muster, groaned, and slammed her forehead down on the keys. From this dejected position she whined a little, then threw back her head in protest. This, dear reader, is how Gabriel, at least, executes his piano practice, but hopefully not for long!!