Mr. Bach Comes To Town

Clayton researched Johann Sebastian Bach for his fourth grade "Notable Person" research project.  He designed his tri-fold board display to look like organ pipes.  And with his portable keyboard (set to "church organ") and our slightly tweaked George Washington costume, Clayton became Bach.  He was the star of the show at the knowledge fest. 

Here he is performing one of Bach's first organ preludes:

I have always loved Bach.  He was a genius musician.  But the thing that sets him apart from most other famous classical composers, is that Bach was also an incredibly faithful, dedicated, balanced, and admirable person.  He was a good and stable husband and father.  He was humble and loved music for all the right reasons.   I'm glad to see Clayton recognized these things too.

 I mean, how can you not love a person whose family portrait looks like this?

 Here are a few pictures of Clayton at the elementary school knowledge fest.

 Eliza was lucky enough to get a turn on the organ.

Here's an excerpt from Clayton's research paper, which he did entirely at school in the computer lab: 

"Bach is one of my favorite composers.  I love playing his music on the piano.  His personality is a lot like mine and I like how he combines music and math.  I also like that he was so humble.  He always dedicated his music to God.  He wasn't a showoff.  When someone complemented him on his music he said, "There is nothing remarkable about it.  All you have to do is hit the right key at the right time and the instrument plays itself."

 Way to go, Clay!

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul."

- Johann Sebastian Bach