bunnyhillsv.com Blog

We’re off to Mexico for 3 weeks and there is no way I’m going without my violin.

My Pug Buddha, 17″ Mac Computer and violin has to be the oddest carryon I’ve ever had. But it worked, we’re here at our palapa. For those unfamiliar with palapas, it’s an open space covered with a palm leaf roof. We fortunately have two closed in bedrooms, perfect to practice in. In fact the acoustics in this cemented room with stone tile floor is pretty cool. I was so concerned with disturbing the peace of the neighborhood when I discovered our neighbors are musicians too. A young man practices drums to American rock and roll, got to love that and he’s pretty good and a woman behind us is, you’re not going to believe this, learning to play the violin. Ha! Unbelievable there must be something going on with so many learning to play music now. Maybe it was always there and never noticed but needless to say my practicing even with the windows open isn’t a problem in this neighborhood.

I’ve gone almost 2 weeks without playing. That’s too long. With the downturn in the economy landlords are making deals so I decided to move my graphic/website design business to a hot new location downtown. This move was made one week before we left for the holidays. My husbands son is getting married at our house in San Jose Del Cabo Mexico. So no time or energy to practice.

From what seemed liked fragmented practice sessions “it” all came together at show time for an audience of about 75 people. Interesting to participate with others who have performed many times before. Dress rehearsal at noon wasn’t quite what I thought it would be, I of course came dressed up while the seasoned players came in sweats knowing they had an hour break to actually dress for the performance. I guess “Dress Rehearsal” means something else. Of the 12 songs we played I could play only the simple 6 carols, Silent Night, Away in the Manger, Oh Christmas Tree, etc. My instructor and others suggested faking it for the other songs. Somehow that seemed a little dishonest but I tried to at least match bow movements to fit in. I did sit out a few songs, holding the violin and bow in my lap in acceptance that I simply could not play that tune. I also moved myself further to the back of the group just incase someone in the audience knew enough about the music and could tell I wasn’t really playing. All in all it was a wonderful experience. Playing with a group is really fun. We had a party following the performance and exchanged experiences with the other musicians. It’s kind of “musician speak”. A whole new world for me, I just love it.

Our conductor gave a little speech thanking all for coming and encouraging anyone, any age, any level of expertise to join the Wood River Orchestra. He mention me as an example of a newcomer participating only after playing for a month. I laughingly corrected him that it’s actually been 6 months. None the less if I can inspire someone to “go for it” so be it. It’s been great for me.