Novice musicians learn lesson in measuring up

I always enjoyed when John "Hannibal" Smith of "The A Team" would sense a victory emerging from a situation fraught with the possibility of disaster and declare, "I love it when a plan comes together."

That must be how Ilisa Peralta felt when she watched 13 of her mostly beginning guitar students pull off a solid six-song set — including two difficult Taylor Swift numbers and a couple of Bruno Mars hits — after only two rehearsals together.

Peralta has a small studio at Island Guitar in Ward Warehouse and her diverse students range from my granddaughters, ages 8 and 7, to my neurologist. At least once a year, she rents a hall, organizes a potluck and brings them all together to show their chops.

She calls it a party rather than a recital to keep it loose and minimize pressure on the students, but it’s a nearly three-hour concert played to a good-sized and appreciative audience of family and friends. It was entertaining enough that many stayed to listen long after their own kids were finished.

The young guitarists got a taste of life in the big time with a professional setup of microphones and amplifiers and the backing of a bass player and drummer.

I started my girls on ukulele less than a year ago, and they quickly moved up to guitar. Mainly, I wanted them to know the joy of making music with something other than an iPod, but I also hoped they’d learn that their little girl dreams of rock and roll stardom doesn’t happen by magic; besides talent, it takes hard work.

Peralta’s party certainly delivered that message. My girls wanted to give a good account of themselves before family who had hadn’t heard them play and practiced like never before. When the show was on and they realized they could hold their own, their faces were radiant.

They also took inspiration from the older and more experienced students who have moved on to sophisticated original compositions in styles ranging from rock, blues and classical to jazzy folk.

You can see a video of the younger group ripping through Taylor Swift’s "You Belong With Me" at blog.volcanicash.net. You’ll have to scroll down a few items.

While we’re into things musical, I wrote a while back about a ’60s-style folk concert put on by Jon Osorio, Leon & Malia, Sean O’Malley and others, and many people asked me to let them know if they do it again.

"Love Is But a Song We Sing 3" is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Calvary by the Sea in Aina Haina. Good vibes guaranteed. Tickets are $15 for individuals and $25 for families, with proceeds benefiting The Movement Center. Call 735-8641 for information.

Reach David Shapiro at volcanicash@gmail.com or blog.volcanicash.net.