Kids Say the Darnedest Things About Their (Lack of) Practice Habits

When working with a middle schooler who had been away for a few days, it was obvious that one part of the assignment hadn't improved at all...

ME: Did you look at this part of your assignment?
KID: I accidentally sleeped.

Kids Say the Darnedest Things About High Notes

Working with a second-year player on the high register, I was refreshing him on the fingering for high F...

ME (demonstrates fingering): So remember, it's these three on the left side, and this one on the right.
KID: And the octave key?
ME: Oh yeah--you always use the octave key for notes this high, or you'll end up making a seal sound.
KID (ponders that for a moment): But *can* I make a seal sound?
ME (ponders as well): Sure man, knock yourself out.

Spammers Say the Darnedest Things

I got this message in an email today; at least it relates to my occupation, even if it misspells the last name of me and my theoretical wife: "Mrs.McHerney I fought the website to practice my instrument can you send it to me Please and thank you"

(I'm glad to know the spammer "fought the website," because it's always good when the site has spam protection in place. And was this person really expecting "Mrs. M" to send them an instrument, now that they've found a "practice website"? Lol)

Ladies in Church Say the Darnedest Things

During the break before the first service, a couple of elderly ladies approached me in the hallway...

LADY: I've never told you how much I love your horn...your saxophone. It adds so much to the service.
ME: Thank you so much.
LADY: It reminds me of, oh...that famous saxophonist.
(ME, to self: Please don't say Kenny G.)
LADY: I can't remember his name, but I have one of his recordings.
(ME, still to self: I really hope you don't mean Kenny G.)
LADY: You know who I'm talking about.
ME (smiling); There are lots of famous saxophonists.
LADY: You'd recognize him if I told you. But anyway, you sound just like him.
ME: Thank you. (To self: Maybe she's a Stan Getz fan...)