Playing in my first outdoor concert in 55 years tonight.

[ann reid]

.......and not feeling “too old”.

[John Morgan]

Good for you!! I hope it goes swell!! Let us all know about it, what you played, how the audience liked it, how you felt!! Nothing like making music!!

[ChristianeSparkle]

Break a leg! Sounds very exciting indeed

[highpitch]

When I went down that road a few years back, there was a tangible thrill both beforehand with the downbeat, and afterward with the applause.

Truly one of life's little pleasures. You've earned it.

Playing concerts today still feels great, so keep at it, Ann.

DG

[davewerden]

How did the concert go, Ann? It was fun to read your post and think about the rush of playing your concert after a long break!

I like the 2-sided aspect of this, also. As musicians, we appreciate the pure fun of playing, and we know there are benefits to our health as well. Here is an example of the latter:

http://www.dwerden.com/eu-articles-l...evelopment.cfm

But the other side of this is the benefit to the audience. There are provable benefits for the people who listen to and enjoy music. Win-win!

[ann reid]

It was a fine evening for me. The conductor was pleased with our performance and we had out three euphoniums, a massive tuba, three trombones and a French Horn.
There were 2 missed starts, one of which came from the tuba, but at rehearsal the week before, the others were missing, and since I played the part correctly by myself, I didn’t have to assume responsibility.
We were playing inside, so I did not wind up consuming any 6 legged protein.

My lesson was Friday, and I still can’t get over how lucky I am that this teacher has taken me on as a student. We spend the entire hour on fundamentals of technique, PRECISELY what I want to be doing. I told him in my first lesson that I didn’t want him to be nice, and I’m delighted to report - HE ISN’T!

I will need to replace my Tupperware Euphonium soon, and as luck would have it, i’ll be able to borrow a 3/4 tuba for the summer, a real break for me. I’m really enjoying playing the euphonium in the band, but I think ultimately I’ll get farther with tuba as an ensemble instrument, my end goal.

I played at a Memorial Day Ceremony yesterday, the first since 1962, and practiced for about 1 1/2 hours today. Enjoyed every minute of each!





I took my second lesson today with a teacher whom I am grateful to have found. He is demanding, exacting and very clear in what he expects. Since I know what I want from my lessons, his approach is perfect for me.

I have been mulling over what I should be doing to achieve the maximum results for my efforts, and am leaning strongly toward tuba, because although I’m surprised by how much I'm drawn to euphonium, the finger technique is so much more intense than tuba finger technique that I think I’ll be taking the path of least resistance.

[Kit15]

*coming out of lurker status*

Ann, I’m going off topic but I can’t shake this feeling that we’re sectionmates. In fact, I’m almost sure of it. Your location is East Coast so I’ll respect your privacy here and not mention a specific state. But by “tupperware euphonium”, you don’t mean a black coolwind do you?

- Katie

Here’s to many more concerts!

[ghmerrill]

the finger technique is so much more intense than tuba finger technique that I think I’ll be taking the path of least resistance.

There is a path of less resistance here, but it depends on what music you play. If you get into some semi-serious small group, quintet, or duet/trio/quartet work, you'll be wishing for the days of those shorter throw euphonium valves and faster response from the instrument, not to mention the range that may be required.

[Sara Hood]

Do you plan on keeping your euph once you transition to the tuba? - she