It isn't often that all of my family gets together. Sure, during the year, I get the chance to see these cousins or those grandparents, but it's rare that my entire family gets together.
Whenever I see these different family members individually, I always marvel at their various talents and interests. For example, one grandfather loves to play cards, an uncle collects old medicine bottles, and a great aunt hosts a radio show in Philadelphia. But while many family members have their unique interests, several have one in common: The gift of music.
This past Thanksgiving, our family was fortunate enough to host these virtuosos: A 16-year-old cousin, a grandfather, an uncle and his 2-year-old daughter. I eagerly convinced them to combine their musical talents and "jam" together.
My uncle is skilled in many instruments - piano, guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Best part? He plays by ear, most notably, for piano. He can't read music, yet he can figure out a song if he's vaguely familiar with it, and even change key so it's comfortable for the singer.
My cousin plays violin, but I know him best for also playing piano by ear. I delight in asking him to take requests.
My grandpa has the deep, powerful yet soothing voice of a cantor, and even my little cousin can sing songs such as "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on key!
So when my cousin and uncle sat down at the piano together, I had to reach for my camera.
They improvised together and took turns playing recognizable songs that they had figured out by themselves. My grandpa sang to my uncle's accompaniment, and I even decided to offer my voice every once in a hile. And my little cousin, although shy, sang a bit for us.
Our house was suddenly filled with wonderful music.
What was so great about this experience was the fact that everyone's talents converged to truly demonstrate and highlight their fortes. It was a wonderful way to bond, especially since big family get-togethers are infrequent. It was not only a way to enjoy togetherness, but also each other as a family in a unique way to which everyone could relate.
That, I think, is the greatest celebration of family.
- ARIEL SIEGELMAN, York Suburban
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