Local Author Signing - Up Bow, Down Bow
When 4th grader Alex Schwartz (from Nancy's first book Up Not Down Syndrome) first met his cello, his eyes lit up with wonder and a smile appeared on his face as bright as the potential his new cello teacher saw within him. The cello positively impacted all aspects of Alex's development. Join us as we discuss the book with the authors. We will have books in the store for purchase or if you would like to order this title, please contact orders@wellingtonsquarebooks.com.
Visit our Bookshop Blog for a Q&A with the authors, Nancy Schwartz and April Beard.
From Chapter 9
When I received the instrument interest form, with its single question—Which instrument would you like your child to learn?—and limited multiple-choice answers, I thought He’s not going to be able to do any of these things, so why are they even bothering to send this to me?
Waves of frustration washed over me. Throughout my years with Alex, I’ve marveled at my youngest son’s abilities, joys and radiant spirit, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel frustrated when he can’t do the things his peers seem so easily able to accomplish. I’m never sad about my son’s limitations for me, but I do want him to experience a wider, more expansive life, and reminders of what he can’t do make me sad and angry. The form felt mean.
Alex didn’t walk—yet. Or talk—yet. He found it challenging to hold a pencil. There was no way he’d be able to join the orchestra.
My heart sank, and then it soared. What if Alex could experience even some small measure of music? What if he could learn to play? Here was the opportunity for a new experience, and I didn’t want my youngest deprived of anything.
Josh played the cello. I played, and still sometimes play, the cello. I wished Alex could play the cello. So, I pushed down my doubts. I filled in the box marked “cello.”
Another form showed up the next day. It instructed me to rent a quarter-size cello.
Really? Well, here goes. I rushed to the Music and Arts store in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
“I need a quarter-size cello, a bow, some rosin, and Suzuki book one,” I told the young man behind the counter.
Read more of this excerpt from the book here: Up Bow, Down Bow
Currently not available through our publishers/warehouses. Please check back or email orders@wellingtonsquarebooks.com..
Currently not available through our publishers/warehouses. Please check back or email orders@wellingtonsquarebooks.com..