Thursday, March 28, 2024

I want to take saxophone playing to higher level, says 10-yr-old musical prodigy

She is just ten years old, but her dexterity with the saxophone, a musical instrument used in popular music and jazz, leaves one with the impression that she’s been playing it for long.
But Precious Sodeinde, a Junior Secondary School II student, only began to learn how to play saxophone three months ago! Her impressive performance at the 2017 children’s Christmas Party organised by the NTA Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, made her the cynosure of all eyes at the event. The 10-year-old saxophonist practically stole the show.
After her performance, and impressed by the accolades showered on her during the occasion, Precious declared saxophone, the musical instrument, as her second ‘best friend,’ after her studies.
The upcoming star said that since she began to play the saxophone three months ago, her time management had improved because she hardly had time to waste on any other thing than the musical instrument and her books.
Precious said, “For instance, before now I used to have time to visit friends, play around, but now, if I don’t go to saxophone practice, I will be reading my books.
“Some of the time I used to have one concert or the other to attend, where I have been invited to perform. For instance, today, I am still having an examination, my last paper to write in my school today; that is why I am going back to school right now after my performance.”
Asked whether this development has adversely affected her academic career in any way, Precious said it had rather encouraged her to be more serious with her studies because she had learnt how to manage her time properly.
She, however, disclosed that her status had changed, “because everybody now wants to be my friend; some of my friends call me sax girl, while some call me a star.
“I am always happy playing my sax because it gives me satisfaction. Whenever I’m using it, it brings happiness to people’s life, and I also use it to pass messages across to people
“I want to implore other children to discover their talents in time and develop themselves. I also want our parents to try to encourage us as children as we exhibit our talents and I believe that if we are positively occupied, it will take our minds off mischief.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank my parents, who have been doing everything to support me and my grandpa, Elder Femi Fawehinmi, who has been encouraging me.”
Precious’ mother, Mrs. Olajumoke Sodeinde, said when she observed that her daughter had the gift in her, she quickly alerted her husband, who enrolled her in a music school during the holidays to learn how to play the saxophone.
“To my surprise, she had only spent two months there when she started attending musical concerts, and church ministrations and other people started inviting her to come and play for them; that they love to watch her entertain them,” Mrs. Sodeinde said.
She added that she was not surprised at the rate Precious had progressed in handling the musical instrument because, “my daughter is a very brilliant, smart and a precocious child, who learn fast at every little opportunity that comes her way.
“What impressed me most about her is that since she started her musical career, she has never derailed or been found wanting in any other aspect, be it her studies at school, in church activities and even at home. She has improved in all of these aspects, rather than going down or getting poorer.”
She, therefore, advised parents to encourage their children or wards to hone their skills in whatever talent God has given them.

Precious’ father, Mr. Gbenga Sodeinde, expressed happiness at his dexterity in playing the saxophone.
Sodeinde noted that the development has had a positive effect on her life, urging other children to embrace music and make themselves useful to the society.

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