Rehearsal

It was a good feeling to look out at the small audience for our spring concert and see family there to support me.  I was really surprised to see Alyssa and Michelle, as they hadn't mentioned they'd be able to come by after seeing a movie together.  I still have a hard time believing I am beginning to learn to play this wonderful instrument.  Yesterday on two of our numbers at rehearsal (and we are still mostly sight-reading) I was the only cellist.  Fortunately I had practiced at home so I just dug into it and played.  It was fun to hear how both the solo and accompaniment parts blended in to form the whole of the sound.  Afterwards, they cheered for me!  When she had completed putting her music in her folder, Naomi joined in.  She is more advanced, blessedly.  It's easier to have company.  Love this work/play!

Back to Orchestra--Next Week!

We've had a hiatus from orchestra since having a concert on April 24th but it will soon be time to begin summer semester. We'll just have it once a week on Tuesday but I'm glad we are continuing on. Yesterday I was practicing from an old lesson book. I am doing more with the lower strings now (love that sound, and Heather's little girl leaps around in-utero when she hears it, too!). I spent some time with the song "Simple Gifts" which pleased me. Usually the time goes extremely fast when I am playing my cello. This is a photo of an old one which one member allowed me to borrow. The green metal on the right is a loaner music stand from the violin shop which sponsors us. Now I have my own beautiful instrument (used, but good sound) and a new bow plus a better music stand. I also have a pin stop gadget so the cello doesn't slide around when I play on a smooth surface rather than carpeting. It has been such a good experience and I can hardly wait to see my orchestra friends again.

Low Key Sunday

Today this cold is better but I'm not well enough to go to church. I'm missing another music day since none of us here are going to be able to sing with the choir. Really, with our voices sounding so rough, they wouldn't want us there. Let alone contagion! Hope they have a complete group otherwise. The cello, music stand and music itself are still out, ready for me to practice. I do feel well enough to do that. My mind is beginning to get around the process, and hopefully the fingers will get more agile and accurate as time goes by. I trust in the work of learning, anyway. One really good thing with playing in a group is that other, more experienced, people make you feel almost good. Art is my biggest fan--he tells me everyday that I am getting a better sound. Love that encouragement from wherever it comes and he is so constant. My teacher was pleased with my progress and told the music director I will be ready very soon. Hope so. I love the thrill of improving through practice. It's harder to persevere through plateaus, as I know from previous experience, but that's not an issue yet. The woman who lent me her old cello has also let me purchase an easier lesson series which starts out with open strings, and uses the actual staff. There does not have to be a transition from numbers to the real thing. Since she is a school music teacher part time, she has tried a lot of them and this one has worked best for her. I like it very much; still I'm planning on switching back and forth during this time when there are no rehearsals. I think I can learn from both books. Christmas has never been so far off my radar. Good thing Chris and his family are planning the Christmas Eve festivities. They always make it a highlight of the season. We have a few pre-made food items for Christmas breakfast. I still have to address cards. (Will they get there on time? Maybe or maybe not!) Our decorations are in a cupboard so high that we haven't even tried to get them down. We have a few nativity sets and an artificial tree which is up year-round. Never thought I'd be so lackadaisical but this year it has to be okay. I know the day itself will be fine and hopefully we will try to remember to feel the spirit of Christmas year-round.

New Horizons Orchestra

Today is the day I would have been attempting to play the cello part on four out of twenty-eight Christmas pieces in the first concert for this new orchestra. But I have a cold and can't be there.
This is how I happen to be a part of this group. I have had a secret wish to be able to really and truly play the cello. In high school, our band teacher, Mr. Cox, wanted to start an orchestra and since there were two cellos belonging to the school, my friend Gerrie Taylor and I decided to jump in and give it a try. I don't remember taking the cello home to practice and much of what we did must have been open string, but it was a fun experience and I loved the sound, especially when it was played as well as I heard on records. Of course, we never got even close to that level! My memory is pretty shaky on the details but I think the teacher left after that year so we didn't continue. About 3 or 4 years ago I heard that there was something starting up in the Provo area for adult beginning string players. I even contemplated busing down but it didn't seem feasible at the time. This fall, there was an article in our little Midvale paper telling about the same program having been started in here in Midvale, of all places. One morning as I was lying in bed thinking about it I had quite a breath-taking confirmation that let me know I was to do this. It was very strong, like a testimony experience. Even though the group was nearly through with the semester, I decided to check it out. I went to the violin shop which is partially sponsering and it was suggested that I just go and observe. I was hooked almost immediately. Another cellist was there for the first time. She volunteered an old cello she owned as a loaner to me, since I didn't have an instrument. The adventure has gone on from there. During rehearsals, I have had two private lessons from a fellow who works at the shop. He is a good and patient teacher and encourages me. I love to practice and have even begun to tentatively play a little bit with the orchestra. We only have 15 members so far but I believe it will grow. I am excited to be a part but sort of bummed about not being able to practice yesterday and play in the concert tonight. Oh, well. I will be much more prepared next time. To be continued...