Always room for one more
For the musical among us, instruments are fun to have around. In fact, one of those odd quotes that has stuck with me through the years mentions that “the one with the most instruments wins”. There are a few around this house, but there’s always room for one more. Today, an impulse purchase added that “one more”.
Back BC (before children) I purchased a flute. Used, but given the seal of approval by a talented teacher (and bandmate). I put my money on the desktop, and went home to annoy my friends. Slowly, my confidence and ability increased, and I think I hit my summit by performing in the pit orchestra for a few nights of “West Side Story”. No chance to stop and start over when people are dancing along in a public venue.
This afternoon, I stopped into a small store that specializes in “pre-played” instruments, and happened to spot a display of flutes. Five very ordinary ones, and one open-hole model. Unlike the others, this one had no price tag. That can mean priceless, or at least, beyond my means, but I asked, and the clerk telephoned the owner for a quote. We waited for the callback, and to my surprise the asking price was not only reasonable but negotiable. Turns out that the owner is on the point of retiring and closing shop due to failing health, which means that inventory is something to reduce. A customer who will pay beats a customer that won’t. Simple enough.
So now I own two flutes. They’re similar (same company, same vintage). I showed off the new acquisition to son #3 and mentioned that he could learn to play with the goal of our performing duets. His response: “Oh crap!”.
