When Gaby met the Brits

First allow me to breathe a sigh of relief….haaaaaaaaa!!!

Sometime last December, Gaby had her day with the Brits. And when I say Brits, I mean the examiners and staff of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or ABRSM.

The school where Gaby takes voice and guitar lessons is affiliated with the Board and are prompt to refer their “able” music students for assessment. Of the 2 courses that Gaby has been taking, it was in voice that she got a recommendation to take the exams.

This being her first year, the exam she would take was a Prep Exam and was not given a numerical grade. She was, however, subjected to an exam nonetheless. This, in effect, would better prepare her for future exams should she decide to continue with her lessons.

Anyway, as the exams loomed nearer, Gaby, presumably prepared her pieces along with her teacher. I don’t make it a practice to hover when it comes to her music lessons. Not very Tiger Mom-mish, I know…but well, who knows in the future, right.

Back to the exams….

The day before the exam, Gaby was asked to come to school to practice her pieces…or at least the pieces that were going to be given on exam day.

Guess what….she didn’t know how to sing all 3 of the required pieces!!! Apparently, her new teacher felt that Gaby knew the pieces already since she had practiced them over the summer.

Half panicking, the director of the music program asked me to record him while he played and sang all 3 pieces so Gaby could practice them at home. Take note that this was at around 7pm and her exam was the next day. I was almost about to throw in the towel but Gaby assured me that she could do it…with a matching sweet smile that is so her when she wants something bad.

So, I took the 3 videos. And we practiced. The whole night. The whole morning the day after.

On exam day we were at the school an hour before her schedule. The director called her in immediately to have a run through of her pieces. I didn’t see her until after the test.

And….she came out smiling.

The certificate says……

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Patron : Her Majesty the Queen
President : His Royal Higness The Prince of Wales
The Haunted House was confidently started, and you did well to keep going. Tone was sweet.
Grandfather Clock was rhythmic and expressive, with very clear words, on the whole.
The three tunes were sung with a nicely projected voice and good intonation.
The Listening Games were enjoyable and showed and able ear.
Well done, Gabrielle, you have a sweet sound, and are developing good projection.
Signed : Julia Wynn (examiner)

*Sigh of relief again*

Musically inclined? Obviously! Were hoping that she gets a recommendation for her guitar playing this year. Or whatever instrument she decides to study whether it be drums, melodica, violin..or even the gong. I’ll be right behind her.

The certificate now holds an honorary place on our mantel, along with our other family memorabilia.