In 1955, at age 12, I became obsessed (着迷) with the idea of recording an album for our parents to do something in celebration of their wedding day. My sister, brother, and I would sing our favourite songs for them.
The recording was to be kept a secret from our parents. I found a local studio, Dunford Recordings, not too far from where we lived in Christchurch. I rang and asked the cost of making a record.
To pay for the recording, I saved the money I earned from helping my aunty Mae in the school holidays. I called a family friend and persuaded her to accompany us on the piano. We couldn’t practise with her for fear of being found out, so I got my sister and brother together and we worked out a routine.
I arranged with Aunty Mae, in strictest secrecy, to take us to the studio at the appointed time. We sang our first two songs a couple of times so they could select the best version, but by the time we got to the third song we were rather tired, so only recorded it once.
Outside the studio door, I had been holding the record very carefully but my sister snatched it from me and it rolled out of its jacket, down the stairs, bouncing onto the pavement and then onto the road. Gasp! Horror! Mercifully, it was undamaged.
The day came and we excitedly gave our precious present to our parents. They were surprised indeed. However, it never occurred to me that my parents bought a brand-new radiogram to play the record on.
My parents had been secretly warned by my aunt about our surprise, and unknown to us, they were downstairs in the appliance shop buying the radiogram while we were upstairs recording. They actually saw the record roll out onto the street.
Our recording has become a wonderful memory of the past.
4. Why did the author want to record an album at age 12?
A.To celebrate their parents’ wedding day. | B.To make money to support his family. |
C.To found a local studio to play music. | D.To satisfy his curiosity about radiogram. |
5. How did the author get the money to pay for the recording?
A.He got his sister and brother to earn money. |
B.He borrowed money from a family friend. |
C.He earned the money needed on his own. |
D.He raised some money with his aunty Mae. |
6. What were their parents doing when the record was being made in the studio?
A.They were listening next to the door. |
B.They were watching the record rolling. |
C.They were playing in the appliance shop. |
D.They were buying the radiogram downstairs. |
7. Which of the following best describes the author?
A.Enthusiastic and generous. | B.Loving and considerate. |
C.Hardworking and responsible. | D.Talented and fashionable. |