Age no barrier to Keith's musical ambition
(Photo supplied by Keith Cooper)
Not many people would be committed enough to start learning a musical instrument at age 71. But for Keith Cooper, age was no barrier.
“I felt it [learning an instrument] would give me a new challenge and also it's about keeping my mind active as I get older,” he explains.
And while keeping active is a priority for Keith, he also had a desire to be more involved with his 18-year-old grandson Luke's life.
Luke plays the trumpet in two of Queensland's youth orchestras. Salvation Army brass bands usually don’t include the trumpet, so Keith decided to learn the cornet instead.
“He [Luke] has been playing for three years now and is very advanced," says Keith. "When we get together we play and he even teaches me more.”
While he has only just started learning the cornet, Keith’s musical background includes playing the piano on and off since he was seven. But, he says, learning the cornet has been a challenge.
“It’s like learning to touch-type. Initially you fumble around and eventually get to the stage where you forget about it and it starts to become natural.”
Keith tries to put aside time every day to practise. He is committed to sharpening his musical skills and hopes to join the band at Pine Rivers Corps - which he has been attending for the past six years - to play on Sundays. But only when he feels he is ready.
“I am enjoying the challenge and hope to contribute in a positive way by playing in the band when others judge that I have reached an acceptable standard," Keith says. "I am not in a rush. The band has a great sound and I do not want to disturb that in any way.”
Along with bonding with his grandson, Keith views his new musical talent as part of his worship of the Lord.
“I have always had a great respect for The Salvation Army and happy to be part of this corps and be able to make a contribution to it," he says.
With his late first wife Lorna, Keith has four children. His second wife, Bev, has three children and together they have 15 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
This article first appeared in the January edition of Creative Ministry.
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