It's not as easy as it seems!

Well, this is somewhat violin related, but mostly may not be...., but it's is good for the sake of classical music. My son was asked to participate in the production of a public broadcast announcement to promote classical music/instrument study among local children and youth. He was one of the five who agreed to be a part of this. We took him to the location yesterday. After everyone checked in, the producers explained what they had in mind and showed the illustration of scenario. Each kid starts by listening to ipod and enjoying whatever they are listening. He/she tries to find another song to listen to, but it is getting boring, then they pick up their own instrument and start playing music themselves. Easy enough, I thought. Boy or boy, was I wrong. You can't move too much because that will make him/her out of the screen. You can't be too little in motion then people won't know what you are thinking. Acting part is no easy job, I'm telling you. I peeked into a few kids' takes before my son's turn came. Everyone was struggling with ipod listening part. The performance part seemed most comfortable to them of course, although each kid only played their instrument for mere 10-15seconds at the most.
In a way, I think instrument playing is like acting without words. You have to try to understand the composer's intention which probably will be the author's message in the actual acting. You have to convey the story just as the composer/author wanted, but you still have to maintain yourself in it. I know the kids (at least my son) are not thinking that deep yet, but every little experience like this, I hope, will make them realise what they are studying is a wonderful form of art and everything is intertwined. After all, acting and playing instrument have more things in common than differences.