Douglas

Since we finished #MythicQuest we're more watching the #SideQuest anthology. The episode about the cellist. Oof.

I play (or rather I used to play and now I keep meaning to get back to playing) the #cello myself and I've seen exactly what the woman in that episode went through. So many excellent musicians that I once knew had nervous breakdowns and lost the music.

It was only ever something fun I did, and that got me into my mom's world (she plays the oboe, English horn, and several... 1/n

May 5 at 5:08amMastodon for Android
Show threadDouglasMay 5

... other woodwinds plus the piano). From about the time I was born until I finished my PhD, she was in several different symphonies and taught lessons. It was mostly a hobby for her though, too.

I definitely miss the feelings of joy and passion that I got playing in symphonies and smaller ensembles. But I do not miss all of the practicing or the physical pain that lots of playing brought me. And I don't miss all of the very high strung people who were trying to make a career of ... (2/n)

Show threadDouglasMay 5

... music. There were so many people who I crossed paths with whose whole lives were music and nothing else.

That's so very much not healthy.

As with anything... One thing cannot dominate a person's life forever without significant risk of very bad trauma.

But I do miss that feeling of being in a symphony when everything clicks and the whole group becomes one living, breathing organism.

(3/3)

Show threadJim HubbellMay 5
@douglasvb
We were somewhere in the high Sierra camped by a small lake one time. Somebody on the other side of the lake played taps at sundown. Just that, no other music or sound. It was kinda nice.
Show threadDouglasMay 6
@dougfir I've had that same experience in the Sierras! I wonder if it's the same dude running around with a trumpet up there.
Show threadAdrianna TanMay 5
@douglasvb we can do a fun no stress cello + clarinet chamber music thing just for fun
Show threadAdrianna TanMay 5
@douglasvb there’s a community music school here in SF that has sliding scale music lessons in almost all instruments, including voice. They do cheap instrument rentals and also place you in whatever type of ensemble you want. It’s pretty nice. Wish I had time to do more of it
Show threadDouglasMay 5

@skinnylatte I've still got my cello. I need to have the bows rehaired, the fingerboard height adjusted, and maybe new strings.

It's one of those things I want to do but I haven't had the extra mental cycles to get back into it in a way that I want to pay the $$$ for the work on the cello.

Show threadDouglasMay 5

@skinnylatte I was also never good at jam sessions 😅 if it wasn't on a page, I wouldn't be able to play it.

I've thought about taking up the banjo to try and improve my improvisational skills. Maybe someday when I have the brain power available 🫤

Show threadAdrianna TanMay 5
@douglasvb someone used to do a music thing near me called mediocre music jam. The rule was you can’t be too good. HAHA
Show threadDouglasMay 6
@skinnylatte omg yes that's what I need hahahaha!
Show threadme_valentijnMay 5

@douglasvb
I hated practicing clarinet for wind ensemble in high school. Basically the entire weight is sitting on the side of your thumb, and it hurt like a mfer after a while. Mine was always tender and a bit swollen, girl next to me had a constant bruise.

I wish neck straps had been an option for us, instead of just being a saxophone thing 😔

Show threadDouglasMay 6
@me_valentijn neck straps are an option for just about every wind instrument but it's not common at younger ages for whatever reason. My mom has a permanent large callous on her thumb from decades of playing the oboe.
Show threadCats Who Code (cursed)May 8
@douglasvb So cool!! What a multitalented family you have. I'm getting back into practicing the saxophone and harmonica again. 😄
Show threadDouglasMay 8

@CatsWhoCode My uncle also plays the cello, bass, organ (he's got a massive organ that his entire house is built around), and a variety of other instruments. My grandfather was a band director and played piano, trombone, bass, and a bunch of other instruments. My aunt plays viola and organ. My grandmother plays flute and piccolo.

I'm the weird one who only plays one instrument.

Show threadCats Who Code (cursed)May 8
@douglasvb that's better than none! but yeah I know what you mean. Saxophone's my main instrument and I more or less taught myself the harmonica but no formal training