bunnyhillsv.com Blog

Our little town has so many talented residents. We may be known for our skiers but there are many artists and musicians living and visiting here. Our Wood River Orchestra is a group of amatures of all ages who play together and occasionally perform. I got a call from one of the members to join in and when my teacher gave his approval I went for it. Needless to say my degree of participation is really limited but what a welcoming group. “Sitting In” is really fun and what a new experience. They’re practicing for a Christmas show and while Jingle Bells is on the list it’s not the Jingle Bells I know. Many of the Carols are relatively easy to play but I’m playing harmony so I can’t rely on the melody. I asked Ron to play and record the Carols for me to practice with so I can at least hear what they’re SUPPOSED to sound like. Will I join in on the actual performance, not sure yet. I’d hate to bring them down though I could play with an unrosened bow that makes no sound. But that would be cheating, I’ll keep practicing as if I’ll play though.

My teacher has an uncanny ability to choose to play pieces I haven’t practiced all week. But this duet went pretty well. This does force me to rise the occasion and focus. We played quit a few songs together and worked on left hand finger placement. I have a hard time keeping “helper” fingers down to guide the placement of the next note which in turn keeps me in tune. We also worked on bowing, using the whole or just upper or lower bow. Having the bow in the right place is important for a lot of reasons but today it was for holding three or four counts. You can hear him coaching me to use “whole bow”. It’s ridiculously complicated and on top of that you have to remember to breath and oh yeah stay relaxed.

If you decide to learn how to play an instrument be sure your teacher can play. Mine plays really well, here he is playing Orange Blossom Special at class this morning.