Let Heaven and Nature Sing

Posted by Marcy Paulson Nov 28, 2008

So the cornet’s here, and in honor of the season, I’m working on the Christmas carol, “Joy to the World.” It’s a nice song to start with, because it’s really just a modified way to practice a few backwards scales

The song feels especially appropriate because, with a brass instrument, I’m sure I’m bringing joy to a few more people than just those in the near vicinity. My husband assures me he can’t hear the cornet outside the house, but that’s hard to believe.

Is it just me, or is a cornet a difficult instrument to play self-consciously? A lot of my notes definitely have a hint of triumphant fanfare, but then there are the ones with the hint of wounded elephant. Am I just imagining those sideways glances from the neighbors?

Come Christmas Eve, I won’t be at all surprised to find a mute in my stocking, or possibly even my mailbox.