Practice began when my dad turned 15 years old. Every day from then on, his life would not be the same. He plays an instrument that was brought to the United States by the black slaves in West Africa (Erbsen). This instrument is an open back, 5-string banjo, used for playing clawhammer style. Clawhammer is, “a rhythmic strumming style” (Erbsen) for the banjo. Bluegrass is another style of banjo playing my father enjoys; he uses a picking technique where your fingers pluck each string to make a melody (Erbsen). People say, “Practice makes perfect”. In 1980, Howie’s first CD, Cider in the Kitchen was released. The latest CD he has recorded is Banjo Manikin, released in 2001. Within all of the CDs my father has recorded, there are exceptional examples of both styles of banjo playing, as well as his talented singing voice. My dad has written about a half dozen songs, while producing dozens of tunes on the banjo. On average, my father plays for about 2 hours a day, mastering his banjo playing techniques. The sad thing is that during harvest time at the winery, he barely has any time to perform, let alone practice. But the imperfection that we all have does not show when you hear Howie play. When he plays his music, my father is passionate and engaged in the music. Even though it’s not every day that he practices, the 45 years that brought his musical talent where it is today has created an everlasting repercussion of all the songs, tunes and music he has learned. My father is one that will NEVER forget what he has learned in life, whether it is music, winemaking, or family values. This is the kind of person I want to become, one who learns, comprehends, and can teach what I learn to children for an experienced filled life.
