My high school chum, Betty Larson Butcher, never gave up her music. She's a concert-level pianist and still has enough lip left to stir up some fun with her trumpet. This fall she and another musician are booked to give a four-handed Mozart piano concert in Arkansas, where she lives with her husband, Perry.Betty grew up in Alexandria at 1319 Elm in a red ranch house with a big back yard and a swing on the porch. Her father was a musician. Her mother raised about four or five girls, not sure how many.
Not long ago, after many twists and turns in her life, Betty and her husband acquired the old family home on Elm Street. They have worked tirelessly for many summers to redo the place from top to bottom and now have a wonderful summer home in her old hometown, filled with memories.What the new home doesn't have is a beautiful grand piano like the one Perry bought in France for his bride. It is in Arkansas. Betty needs to practice. The old upright piano in the Alexandria basement just doesn't have the action she needs to properly prepare for her fall concert.
Beverly Rolfsrud to the rescue. She loaned Betty the use of her grand piano... the one that has Steve Letnes' name on it.
On Saturday I took Betty to the house and away she went, fingers flying. The woman can play anything. And just to prove we can still do Bach, we sang "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," for her appreciative hubby.
Betty will practice until she returns to Fayetteville after Labor Day. She is very grateful to everyone for the privilege. It is just what she needed.And don't worry. She can pound all week, but there will still be plenty of notes left in the sturdy old grand for Steve.
