“America the Beautiful” Rag: My Chaotic Progress Post

Ah, the joy of trying to make a quick video while your teen daughter is pushing you to hurry up so you can get her to drivers’ ed on time! That was my life this morning as I worked on Jonny May’s delightful “America the Beautiful” rag.

Where I’m At

I’m having a lot of fun learning this rag—it’s not too difficult, and the structure is simple enough that my brain is buzzing with improv ideas. Now that I’m mastering the score, I’m ready to start adding my own signature, and perhaps a key change. (No more details for now in case it doesn’t work out!) I also have the option of learning Jonny’s page-long jazzy intro, which I’ve sight-read a few times. But it’s tricky, and I’m not sure I can have it ready in time for my July 4 deadline (particularly since I’ll be away from the piano all weekend).

The Video

This progress clip is at a slow tempo, and my playing is a little raw and wooden, as I’m just trying to make sure I hit all the right notes. Despite my best efforts, I fumble a few notes (I’d like to blame that on my daughter, but I honestly can’t!) BONUS: Said daughter, who didn’t realize the camera was on, makes a sweet cameo at the end. :)

What’s Next

The goal is to have this ready in time for an Independence Day recital. I’m not worried about the ragtime section; the real challenge will be the add-ons. Jonny’s jazzy intro? My own bluesy improv? We shall see!

Question for my three readers: Are you working on something special for the holiday?

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Picking Up the Pieces

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