By Treena Mielke
The crowd thrilled to the hauntingly beautiful notes of Pachelbel’s Canon in D and some clapped along quietly to the rousing Millionaire’s Hoedown during the Sept. 30 semi classical musical performance.
It was a good mix; a little bit of good down home toe-tapping stuff mixed in with a healthy dose of well-known classics.
The performance, featuring Andrea Tarves on piano, her husband, Reagan, on cello and her brother, Sheldon Jordan on violin was held at Rimbey United Church as part of Alberta Arts Days.
“I think it was an excellent performance. They did a very good job, their rhapsodies are always beautiful and the Cannon in D was very well done. It’s always good to have local talent,” said Rimbey resident Marian Slump.
Tarves was pleased their performance went over well and was gratified to hear the comments from people who came up to the trio after the performance to tell them how much they enjoyed the music.
“You never know what the reaction is going to be and you’re always pleased when they enjoy it,” she said.
The gracious pianist said her musical background started when she was only about three years old and began singing Mary Had A Little Lamb.
When her older sister began piano lessons, Tarves would listen and then pick out many of the songs on the keyboard and play tunes by ear.
Over the years Tarves continued her musical training, completing her Grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music.
Sheldon began playing the violin when he was five years old and he is now completing his Grade 9 in the instrument.
Now the mother of seven-year-old Dylan, five-year-old Emarie and two-year-old Jude, Tarves recalled her childhood as one where music played an important role.
“There was a time when I wanted to quit, but my parents always supported and encouraged us. My dad always wanted us to play for him and my mom (who plays the piano as well) played with us.”
After graduation, Tarves attended Olds College where she enroled in the landscaping course. She later met Reagan in Calgary.
“I had no idea that he played the cello when we started dating,” she said. “It was definitely an added bonus.”
She said her husband, who owns RJ Plumbing and Heating in Rimbey, is an accomplished cellist, who often entertained with his twin sister, who played piano.
“They would always take home first whenever they would compete,” she said. “He has also taught himself the guitar.”
The trio enjoys all types of music and find it rewarding to make music together, although this is sometimes difficult as Sheldon attends the University of Alberta.
Tarves and her brother played a duet that appeared to be effortless. “We play together well, it’s fun and we can almost anticipate what the other is going to do. It’s a neat bond we have.”
As a busy mom, Tarves still finds time to make music, usually at her parents’ home as she says they have the best piano.
“I play two or three times a week. I enjoy it and it’s kind of therapy. I like to keep it up.”
Meanwhile, she is keeping a musical eye on her own children, and is already teaching piano to the older two.
“Parental support is really important. Family interest and encouragement makes a big difference.”