♫ Tribute to the Musical Talent in my Family

There is no shortage of musical talent in my family.  Going back generations on both sides, relatives have been tickling the ivories, strumming the guitar, banging the drums, tooting their horns, singing their hearts out, and yes, even slapping 2 spoons together on their thighs. 

♪ ♫ ♪   Music is a part of who we are.   ♪ ♫ ♪

My Great Uncle Jim, ever so patiently started me on piano lessons when I was about 6 years old.

Great Aunt Joanne & Great Uncle Jim (brother and sister), playing & singing in the church.

Great Uncle Jim and my Grandpa Richard Rennier (brothers) playing at my Great Grandparents' (EJ and Helen) house.

Ricky's Serenaders - I know that is my Great Grandpa EJ Rennier on the drums, but not sure who the other guys are.

I know my Great Grandpa (EJ) Rennier is on the drums and my Grandpa (Richard) Rennier is the one in the middle blowing on the saxophone and I'm guessing that's my Great Uncle Jim on the piano.  The little cuties in the front are my Uncle Mike, Aunt Sherry, and Uncle Rick.  Wish I knew who the other musicians were... if you know please leave names in the comment section below.

Great Uncle Gene and Great Aunt Charlene Swagger

Great Aunt Jan and Great Uncle Rick Staugh

Grandpa Richard Rennier

Grandma Evelyn Rennier - she played the spoons and tickled the ivories a bit.  I did not have a photo of her doing either, but I do love this photo of her.

Aunt Cheryl on guitar and Miss Cricket on the keyboard

Cousin Russ played for the US Army

There are many, many more talented musicians in our family, past and present, I unfortunately do not have photos of them.  But I do feel incredibly blessed to come from such a long line of talented, expressive individuals who have shared with me a love of music.  Something I have carried with me through my life and hope to transfer down to Emma. 

 And who knows, we may have another budding musician in this little one as well.

If you listen really close between 16 - 20 seconds into this, you can hear her singing along with it.  This is just too precious!

"Music gives a soul to the universe,

wings to the mind,

flight to the imagination,

and life to everything."

~ Plato ~

Thanks to Aunt Cheryl and cousins Dan & Kevin for providing these photos a while back.  They sure are great to have.