Maestro Edmund

Edmund Composes a Masterpiece

Edmund has always loved music, but in the past month his love for music has increased twofold. Every morning he begs to go to his preschool's outdoor music center, each afternoon he asks to play our electric keyboard (he doesn't bang the keys like most toddlers), and every evening Edmund, mommy, and daddy have a dance session as Edmund starts the music on his Rock-a-Tunes piano. Thus, this past Sunday Edmund, Steven, and I made the 10 minute trek to Carrboro for the annual Carrboro Music Festival. Most people choose a band they would like to listen to at one of many venues, choose another, and so forth for an all day music experience. We knew this would not be our experience at the festival with a one year old, so we planned on a quick 30 minute smorgasbord of music. After parking our car we hopped on the bus to head to downtown Carrboro. We walked to the outdoor children's venue first. When we arrived the band that was playing was finishing its set, so we decided to walk down the blocked off streets. Edmund enjoyed seeing the little train that was traveling back and forth down Main Street. When he's a little older we might actually brave the line to ride the train, but for now he's content simply saying "hiyou" (his hello) to the conductor. By the time we arrived at Weaver Street Market a band had begun playing. Edmund made it known he wanted out of his stroller. We unleashed our little boy into the grassy area. I can't tell you exactly what type of music was being played, since my biggest goal was to keep Edmund from waltzing into people, but I can tell you Edmund loved the music. He is no longer happy simply doing his "baby dance." What he really wants to do is conduct. So Edmund bounced around while conducting the band. After about 5 minutes of "conducting" we decided we should walk some more, as Edmund had conducted himself into another child's stroller one too many times. As we walked down the street the music faded. Edmund began signing and saying "mo", asking for more music. Let me take this moment to describe Edmund's way of saying more. When he says more he sounds like Oliver saying "please sir I'd like some more." Being the anglophile that I am, I am proud to say my baby has a British accent. But I digress. We stopped at the next outdoor music venue we came to. This time Edmund enjoyed what sounded like grunge rock. He clapped his hands like a true groupie. Not wanting to damage his hearing, we completed our round trip ending back at the children's venue. We decided to let Edmund free so he could dance to Motown covers. If not for the fact that Edmund now runs, but refuses to hold our hands, we would have stayed longer. However, his mom and dad were on the verge of heart attacks as he ran and almost fell face first several times. We decided to call it a day. Next year there will be much more dancing and perhaps a train ride or two.

Edmund and Buddy Will in the CHCP
Pots and Pans Band