Vivaldi and Carmen, etc.

We had a good rehearsal today. Our two strongest cellists were not there so we had to work pretty hard and I couldn't hide as much as I usually do when I am feeling tentative about notes. We worked hard on three pieces, or maybe it was four. Now I remember that we played a simplified piece called Mozart Mix which is excerpts from his work. I like it because I can play all of the notes!!! Obviously, I have a lot more practicing to do. I am so glad that I can still play the cello and that even though it is slow, I am making progress that even I can see and hear.

The Soloist?

Last week Art and I went to the dollar theater to see the movie "The Soloist". It was recommended to me when it was a first-run feature. My friend said it was a good movie which it was, and that there was beautiful cello music in it. That was also true although sometimes knowledge is a mixed blessing. Because I know where his left hand should have been on the strings as he was playing, I was distracted by knowing he was not playing the note I was hearing. I know Jamie Foxx was tutored by the cellist who was actually playing. (We have the habit of staying through the credits. Interesting what you can sometimes learn!) As far as the acting was concerned, both Downey and Foxx played their roles well. The movie was thought- provoking rather than fluffy entertainment. I am glad we went. Love seeing movies with Art. Wonder why we don't do it more often. Which brings me to yesterday at orchestra. For the second time, I was the only cellist. My skills aren't anywhere near where I would like them to be, although I am pleased with my progress. I don't like being a soloist, even for solo cello parts within the pieces we are practicing. So I am making phone calls this week to urge (plead with) the others to at least come part of the time. I know there are legit reasons to be absent but...it's lonely where I am sitting. Besides, my July is entirely dependant on when a new baby arrives. When she comes, I am not going to be available either! At least not on a consistent basis. So I am hoping, hoping, that I can have good news when I call my cello friends. BE THERE!!!

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!

New Horizons, Continued

It was incredible to get back to orchestra yesterday. I couldn't believe how much fun we had, even though they had us sight-read through all the pieces for the end of July concert.  Pretty intense.  I got to hear a more expensive instrument from the violin shop. Wow! The sound was amazing. I'd have to save a LONG time to purchase a cello of that quality. In the meantime, I am enjoying this experience so much. It was relaxed and mellow. Randon tried to teach me about second position even while we were practicing. It was hard to concentrate, but it was good of him to attempt to help.
I'm going to look up another lesson book a step up from what I have been using and see if it will give me information to help me practice the shift to second position at home. Art suggested looking it up on Google. Good idea. Love his support of this venture! The above photo was taken by Heather at our Spring Concert.

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.

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...