When Falyn was four years old, Grandpa (Ernie) Fortner invited Falyn out to celebrate her birthday. He told her that she could pick any restaurant, any dress, and any toy that she wanted! I was thrilled, I whispered "Olive Garden" to Falyn, and she asked for Mc Donald's. For dress shopping I suggested Macy's, Falyn picked Mervyn's, because they had "The Lion King" dresses there. At "Toys R Us" I pointed to the "My Size Barbie’s", but Falyn chose little troll dolls with hot pink, blue and green hair. Falyn was so-ooooo happy! She had a wonderful day with Grandpa Fortner. I on the other hand felt disappointed, I wanted more for Falyn, but she was so happy with her choices, and having her way. After all it was HER birthday and not mine.
A couple months ago I was asked by our Stake YM/YW's presidency to DJ the Mormon Prom. I agreed to the dance. Tonight I DJ'd a stake dance- I thought it would be a good warm up! Scott gave the YM/YW index cards to write down their favorite songs- so that I could play them at the dance. I spent a few days reading the lyrics of top 20 hits...some could not be played at the stake dance. It took many hours to accumulate play lists of popular, current, and decent songs (preferred music for 14-18 year-olds). Tonight was the test- the dance went well. The kids danced and gave me generous compliments as well! Success?! The Stake Young Women's President said she wants the dance kicked up 10 notches next month for the prom. Mostly slow songs, ballads, and older music. My question is... whose prom is this? I can see playing a couple waltzes for fun and culture, but isn't this prom for the kids?
I learned a valuable lesson from Grandpa Fortner, sometimes it's not about you...
7 comments:
It is the kids prom. But... the stake is in charge. So that make it harder for you. I don't envy your assignment. I think using lots of oldies goes over better than newer music that no-one likes. But balads? Mostly slow songs? Melissa suggested using some Michael Buble.
Thanks Karen, I appreciate the feed-back. Scott and I were thinking the same as you, oldies/retro. Oh, and the newer music was a HUGE hit with the kids, just not the adults...
Thanks Melissa, I LOVE Michael Buble!
You can never please everyone when it comes to music (ie selecting a station), buuuut you can mix it up and try to please most of the people some of the time. With i-tunes/xm these days it's amazing how musically well rounded teens are. It cracked me up to hear my niece say, "Oh, my gosh I luv Rick Springfield!"
And great story about Falyn and grandpa Ernie.
Another thing that helps kids know so much "older" music is movie soundtracks. Many movies have great soundtracks that introduce kids to the older stuff. And then they like it because it came from a movie they liked.
Amy,
You're so right! Falyn was downloading this hot new song "More Than a Feeling" by some group called Boston! LOL!!! Scott about died laughing... what's old is new again!
And, Karen thanks I completely agree with you regarding soundtracks- great idea!!! :)
love this story!
There really is "nothing new under the sun" as far as music goes.
Great story too! I remember doing the same sorts of things with my kids when they were given a choice when someone else was paying the bill - it's a good lesson to learn!!
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