Saturday, April 18, 2009

Finding Her Voice

Of all the marvelous ways the children have grown and changed this year, by far the most exciting development has been to watch Bella finding her voice.

All last year she took guitar lessons and sometimes sang along in a usual little girl's light and breathy voice. But occasionally I would hear her in another room singing silly songs. Singing in an amazingly powerful, high, full voice. Just to be silly.

One day in October in dawned on me that I was hearing something extraordinary, and I started listening closely. Something was not normal. I took her to my friend the voice instructor at college. "Sing something silly, Bella," I told her. She burst into the melodramatic strains of "There's Always Tomorrow" from Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Holly heard it too.

Bella started voice lessons then with a graduate student. Week after week we have been hearing her come into her power. Her range is something over three octaves. She opens her mouth and the most incredible music comes out. She sings like a rock star. Like an opera star. She sings in Italian and German. When she sings I know I am in the presence of a divine gift.

Someday you will hear her too.

37 comments:

Dianna said...

What a beautiful story, all the better for being still in the making.

Caroline said...

That is so wonderful and I am so excited for her to be developing a God-given gift. To be able to sing is to be able to reach out through the soul.

Mama B said...

Must we wait to hear her? Would you maybe record a bit for us to enjoy? Blessings to you, Bella, on your exciting journey!

Frogdancer said...

A similar thing happened here a couple of years ago. My friend, who is a music teacher, happened to be in the kitchen when my oldest son started singing along to 'Guitar Hero'. She stopped in mid sentence.... and has been teaching him ever since.
He has a full, almost Sinatra-esque type of sound. And to think I spent the first 16 years of his life telling him to be quiet and not to be so loud!!!!

Becky K. said...

Very exciting! Can't wait to hear her.

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

What a neat story. I love that you are so in touch with helping your kids find their gifts and talents. It's something I've admired since I first found your blog.

Karen said...

It's amazing to hear the gifts that God gives our children. Our youngest is also going to be heard some day.
Cannot wait to hear Bella, too.

Lisateresa said...

Wonderful! And here I was expecting her to be opening a bakery someday.

Anonymous said...

So what's to rule out a singing baker? or a baking singer?

JennyCash said...

good for you, anna, for helping bella find her gift. that's one of the most important things a parent can do!

Nadine said...

What a beautiful gift from God!

Linda said...

How wonderful to discover such an amazing gift Anna.
Your deep love for your children is evidenced in the way you have helped them discover and develop the gifts the Father has so lovingly placed within them.
I can't wait to hear her sing.

Clare said...

That's so exciting!! God bless her! I'm like Michele... must we wait? ;)

Chris said...

Wow! You sure seem to have a lot of extraordinary talent flowing through your family! What a blessing.

Anonymous said...

I join Michele and Clare Marie-Therese Duroc: I VERY MUCH HOPE you'll include some videos of Bella singing and Clara "cello-ing", soon!
- Gilda

Kathy said...

What a talented young girl! If she sings as well as she bakes, we are surely in for a treat when she sings for us!

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

And I can't wait!

Sharon said...

What a blessing!

That is so neat to hear :) Oh that would be wonderful to hear Bella and Clare together. And perhaps Daisy could dance to the music? :)

vrm said...

What a beautiful gift to have from God. There is nothing quite like the power of music - particutly the gift of song, which seems to come from somewhere deep within us. Blessings to her.

Trina said...

Oh, my - this is delightful. I echo another commenter - this is one of my favorite things about your blog - the glimpse you give into your quest to give each of your children opportunity to find what they were created to do. I am so excited for Bella. Maybe you will post a video or recording some time?

Farrah said...

How wonderful! She is blessed both for the gift and to have you as a Mother.

Tracy said...

I can only pretend to imagine the gift of voice she has. No doubt her heritage will take full flight in one given such an opportunity as you are giving her.

And would that I had the resources to do the same with my children.

Lucy said...

One of the things that I find so beautiful about your family is how you all pursue and are encouraged to explore your talents. I truly hope I can do as much for my children.

Molly said...

That is beautiful--almost enough to make me cry.

Their Momma said...

What can't your family do? I think you all are so amazing! A house full of beautiful and talented people.

Their Momma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Connie said...

Wow. She is so lucky you noticed it and did something about it. I almost missed a musical gift of my child.

Anonymous said...

So wonderful that you cultivate your children's gifts. As someone who had their gifts squelched by parents who were fearful that their children's abilities might outshine their own, it is balm to my soul to read how you rejoice in and support your children's abilities.

Hill upon Hill said...

Ooh, I await.

Frank said...

what a great discovery! congrats on that. findings like this by pure accident reminds me of stories like that of einstein, working as a patent clerk. which also makes me wonder about parents who drive their kids toward certain activities by force rather than by allowing children to develop naturally and come into their own - on their own time & desire - with activities they deem useful. again, great find, beautiful story, and hope the singing continues well into her adult life!





corrupt.org/blogs/frank_azzurro/family

Bell said...

can't wait until that day!

AnnMarie said...

How awesome!

By the way, have you read Mrs Sharp's victorian traditions book by Sarah Ban Breathnach (pronounced Bon Bronnack). I started it this weekend and immediately thought of you! http://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Breathnachs-Mrs-Sharps-Traditions/dp/074321076X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240242899&sr=8-1

I'm surprised Grace Livingston Hill hasn't been quoted yet.

Mrs. MK said...

I have thrills over this! Bella, I can't wait to hear you sing! What a beautiful gift God has given you!!

Anonymous said...

I'm eagerly waiting! Carol L.

Mrs. U said...

How exciting!!! The Lord has given her a talent and He has given you an ear to recognize and help build upon her talent!! I cannot wait to hear her singing one day (hopefully soon!!!).

All of your children are so very talented!! What a fun house you must have!

His,
Mrs. U

Joy said...

okay, she's not only pretty but talented! Wish we could hear her sing! Could you post a short video?

Anonymous said...

Hello Anna. I see this was posted a year ago when Bella would have been about eleven? I'm sure you're aware that serious vocal training at such an early age should be approached with caution. In fact many colleges of music won't take pupils under fifteen as irreparable damage can be done to the voice at this stage. Just make sure that your daughter is singing appropriate material which is not demanding too much of the voice. I speak as the daughter of a trained singer who won many prizes, festivals etc. My sister and I inherited the natural singing voice from her but my sister did not start serious training till she was fourteen (same as our mother) and I just stuck with what God gave me! Best wishes, Angela

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