A surprising anniversary gift!
by Scott
A few weeks before our tour in August with musicians from the Vancouver Island Symphony, I was asked by the organizer, violinist Calvin Dyck, if I’d be able to play a percussion instrument, the cajon, on some of the pieces. It’s a wooden box (with a snare inside) that the player sits on, and uses their hands to make beats. I’ve always loved hearing the instrument in YouTube videos, but never had the chance to try playing one before.
Since the selections were film and Broadway scores, many had important percussion parts. I gladly accepted, and Clare played the piano parts on these pieces. Since childhood, I’ve always loved percussion, and even asked my parents for a drum when I was 10 years old!
Calvin rented the cajon for the duration of the tour, and it was to be returned at the end. Although I considered buying it since I loved playing it, I thought it would be more practical to return it and think about it more before buying one.
The next day after the tour was over, Calvin and his wife unexpectedly (to me!) showed up at our door, and after a few minutes, asked Clare to go outside to his car. Moments later, he came in with the cajon, and said “Happy Anniversary!” I was confused at first, thinking maybe he rented it again, but then realized that Clare had secretly bought the cajon for me! I was totally surprised and touched by the gift! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Here is a video of me playing around on it!
You can see the cajon in action in the medley video (below) that I made from some of our tour concerts, featuring music from Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Mamma Mia (Best of Abba), La La Land, Les Misérables, Pirates of the Caribbean!