·:[ CelliMuse ]:·
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I never realized that there was a Hood River Symphony! But today, after seeing they were playing at 1:30, I found out just how wonderful they are. Of course, they’re all locals and I noticed one of the Double Bass players got a bit of reverberation on the lower part of her strings against her fingerboard. But you know, it was marvelous just to find out and listen to people play who are from my own area!

I know they played Saraband, and a few other classics - but I couldn’t tell you what they were. I don’t know history or composers or any of that. I know Twinkle Twinkle, you know? I couldn’t tell you who wrote it. lol.

But.

I did find two potential cello teachers who are also cello PLAYERS! I was so excited and so was D. Today was the last performance of their lead cello player, Betty, and it was a bit emotional for everyone in the symphony. I really wanted her to teach D and I, but it was not to be. She’s moving to the coast and that’s just too far for travelling to get a cello lesson. ::grins:: If gas prices weren’t so high, I might consider it, though…

Anyway, it looks like we won’t be getting together for a few weeks with our two new prospective teachers, it being spring break and all. I’ll keep the site posted with the latest, as I know it! Wish us luck!

Anne Cole, Violin maker

Her violins, violas, and celli are beautiful as the sounds they produce. Of course, I’m just a beginner, but I know what a good tone sounds like better than I can make it!

You would think, after a whole year of playing, that I could play in front of my own father and not get nervous. But you know… I can’t. Maybe it’s because I’m trying so hard to push my own limits with longer music, eighth notes, and other music notation, as well as timing. Then top it off with someone WATCHING you, and *poof* you get a poorly played song, even after you’ve practiced it over and over and can play it by yourself without problem.

I need to make myself play in front of others more often. Perhaps that should be my goal for this cello year? I am only age cello-1, so I guess I shouldn’t expect too much of myself. At age human-1, I didn’t do much, either. Think I’m being too hard on myself?

D and I became members of the Oregon Cello Society this year. Since we joined, we’ve been to just one of the special events planned for their members, but it was so enjoyable and we each got so much out of it, I vowed we’d be going to more of them as we’re invited.

A letter came for us to join other OCS members for two special opportunities the other day. First, we get to attend the Oregon Symphony dress rehearsal for Strauss’ Don Quixote featuring solo cellist Nancy Ives. Included in the program are Dutilleux’ Metaboles and Britten’s Variations on a Theme by Purcell.

Then, just days later, we are invited to the master class with Janos Starker at the Portland State University! Where neither of us is ready for a master class, it’ll be wonderful to see and experience the full scope of celli that will be learning from him. The master class is set up with four two-hour segments and each segment will feature three different Pacific Nortwest cellists - including members of the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera Orchestra - who will be playing advanced repertoire.

This will be *very* exciting for each of us. I’m so proud that D is such a little grown-up when around grown-up situations like this. It’s also very nice to know that I can take her with me and trust that she’ll be quiet and learn from what’s in front of her.

I missed the whole of this year’s ICS newsletters, so I went and found them:

• Jan/Feb
• March/April
• May/June

Unfortunately, that’s it for this year… Those three and the latest one. At least it’s starting up again!

Here it is!

A couple of the past issues of the ICS newsletter, are posted on their site:

• Volume 31
• Volume 32

Where the information may be “old” by technology standards, the best part about the cello is that “old” information is often the best information.

The Internet Cello Society has a free membership system in place and gives you their newsletter, about every two months, delivered directly to your email. Go sign up now and make sure you don’t miss the next one!

It’s kind of an old newsletter, as they don’t seem to update very regularly, but it’s out on their site! Lots of good information, good ideas. It looks like they’ve got great concept ideas but no one really keeping up with what they say they’re going to do. Too bad. Great ideas often die out that way.

Yes, I’ve got more lessons coming, keep your bows ready! lol. However, I wanted to point out a great site done by an adult beginning cello student. Per had some of the same problems I encountered with trying to figure out what to do with the delicate instrument if a phone call comes in and you have to put your cello away fast. Per Stromgren came up with a terrific idea, in a wall mount fashion.

I have a different solution (I should take pictures and share). I bought a cello stand and altered it. Ok. Truth be told now. I gave Pa my requirements and he torched a piece of metal for me - it works splendidly and I love it! I need to get one for Dahlia set up, too. I think she’s been looking at Jillian’s stand and getting jealous. ::grins::