......because I probably didn't post in August. Such a busy month for all of us, I think. I spent a week in London visiting my daughter/SIL, and had an 'interesting' airbnb experience that turned out to have a happy ending. I reached the end-of-the-road for my poor, downtrodden knee, and went back to school as well. Thank goodness for Labor Day weekend, to help me catch my breath!
The biggest thing that happened, harp-wise, during August, was that I took the first of 5 weekend-long workshops (technically they're 'modules') to become a beside harpist for hospital and hospice patients. The program I am enrolled in, MHTP, was highly recommended by a person I ate dinner with last year at Somerset - Janet Whitman! I am definitely NOT being a name dropper here; I was flabbergasted when she approached me in the cafe line and asked if I'd like to share a table. Haha, we are FB friends, and she is the person who got Catriona McKay to send me the Swan Lk 243 sheet music, but she didn't know me from Noah. I play quite a few of her arrangements - Carolan's Concerto and Wild Mountain Thyme to name just 2 - and I was completely awestruck until I saw how down-to-earth she is. I had decided not to sign up for the MHTP program last year because I spent my summer $ at Somerset, and they weren't offering all the modules in our closest city, Concord. I think she was just beginning MHTP herself, and she had nothing but good things to say. There are not many beginning students with me, maybe 7. There is a lot of serious reading involved about the science of music and the stages of death, etc. You need to develop good improv skills and have a variety of types of music ready for all types of patients. But it was REALLY interesting, and I met some wonderful musicians who I would never have played with, Indian flute and flute being my favorites. After my harp tipped over at Somerset last summer - CRACK! - I am now the proud owner of the Cadillac of harp carts, so at least moving in and out of Concord Hospital both days was a breeze. The woman who runs the arts program at the hospital is a wonderful ally, and I am so looking foward to the day when I can play at the hospital on a regular basis. Now, if just one of you would volunteer to pay off the mortgage on our house....
I never did learn every tune of Grainne's first book; I don't like The Blackthorne Stick arrangement that I started with, and then just started looking for beatless music and also music I can play at 50-70 beats-per-minute for MHTP, and my idea of learning all GH's songs turned out to be a total wash. I CAN finally play O'Farrell's Welcome to Limerick, and was planning on playing it our October coffeehouse until I gave up my spot to one of my favorite keyboard players/singers. I would like to learn a fine versio of The Butterfly, and wondered if any of you have arrangements you recommend??
That's it from here in the sticks. Looking forward to everyone else's September posts, especially Andee, as I worry about how she's getting on......
How nice to know you are thinking of me! I'm hanging in there, will do a September post soon.
ReplyDeleteI did MHTP over 10 years ago! It was really fun. I never finished the course (didn't do the book reports...) so I don't have the certificate.
I play the Butterfly, fairly standard but there are a few fun things you can do with the left hand like walking down the bass on the A part...do you Skype? I could show you what I do via Skype.
The books are seriously scientific; I read 4 of them over the summer, but I've got to get back to it. I don't Skype, actually, but I think I know where you mean in the A section, because I have listened to so many versions on YouTube. And boy, I would cancel the remaining trios; if you do them you'll be the bravest person I know! :))
ReplyDeleteI played today for 2 hours straight after not really touching it for the first 3 weeks of school. Hmm, maybe I should take the blog title a little more seriously?? I was so, so rusty, and for a few seconds, I had to think about which levers were up for the key of F maj. We are doing harp/guitar duets at a distant coffeehouse in November, and I'd like to do a different set than we did last time we were there. Trying to get in touch w/someone who'll sing Wild Mt'n Thyme while we play. My true goal this month is to learn quite a few Jewish songs for bedside playing, as well as a few meter-less tunes. I just made a fire - heaven, as it's both cold and rainy! - and it will be nice to not have to run the dehumidifier for a few days. Am looking forward to - seriously! - upcoming carpal tunnel surgery, to end the ache-filled nights and thumb fumbling on the strings. Friends who've had it say the results are immediate. Have you ladies gone through this? And Andee, how ARE you???
ReplyDeletePamela, you are an inspiration! I am still on the fence about the Music Therapy because of lack of time, and you just forge ahead! And not only a broken down knee, but carpal tunnel?! I am feeling like a wimp! Yikes! I think Mike from the Bible Hill Boys sings Wild Mtn Thyme really well....or at least I have a memory of him doing that! Have never had carpal tunnel, but have heard the relief is immediate. Hope all goes well with you!
ReplyDelete