I grew up in a fairly musical family.

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My mom played the piano and sang. I remember one of the big moments in her life was when she was chosen to sing the Ave Maria solo for Midnight Mass.

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My brother Joe took years of accordion lessons (and we attended years of accordion recitals). Later in life, he took up the banjo and got pretty good at it.

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Even the one who shall remain nameless played the piano and appeared in a couple of high school musicals (in the chorus).

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Apparently, the San Filippo supply of musical talent was exhausted by the time I showed up. I've often said that I couldn't carry a tune if it was stapled to my forehead and that's being generous.

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Alas, I realized at an early age that I was destined to be a mere listener. But hey, I've actually loved every minute of it.

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