Forum Activity for @terry-wilson

The Friendly Beasts?  Never heard of the gitty up song.  Until now.  Researched it, and decided to learn it.  I like it.

Thanks Ken.

Yeah, I have a home printer, and print large print lyric sheets, for most of my songs.  The ones that can, love to sing along.  The ones that can't ,  I still give them a sheet, so as not to feel left out.  Some hum .   Some read the words.

Thanks for your input . 

Lisa, your ideas are splindid.  I'll look into the bells and some cheery songs.  

You are right.  While beautiful songs, for the most part are slow sad songs.  Thanks for the eye opener .

Terry ☺😊😆

For the folks who play at senior centers, church senior groups, nursing and/or assisted living homes, I was just wondering of the songs you have selected to present.  I am hoping this may help me learn a new song or two.  My list is very short and familiar.  I've discovered that seniors, especially seniors at assisted living homes, love repetition and familiarity.  My list also includes the instrument I use.

Away In A Manger (Dulcimer)           Jingle Bells (Ukulele)           Beautiful Star of Bethlehem  (Ukulele)

O, Little Town of Bethlehem  (Dulcimer)               Silent Night  (Dulcimer)               The First Noel  (Dulcimer)

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear  (Dulcimer)

I would appreciate knowing what works for you.  

 Lisa  Lisa, Lisa.  that was wonderful.  Wow.  Speechless . 

Back at you later, that's for sure.

Lisa, it's kind of ironic that as you were posting your message, I was sitting at my desk, practicing vibrato on a ten hole harmonica.  Plan to do "Down in the Valley" tomorow morning at the assisted living home.  Great song for vibrato.

In response to what you said about playing and driving, I agree with you, this is not a safe practice.  I've been doing it for around two years now, and I must admit that there have been several times when I was a distracted driver.  With that said, I don't recommend it.  If you are not doing it now, don't do it.  However, and you knew this was coming, I doubt I will stop this practice.  I do pick my spots though, when not to play, like heavy traffic, school zones, or 45 mph or less.  The slower the traffic, the danger goes up. 

Now, I'd like to see a video of you playing bones while driving.  Not really, but that would be interesting.  Hey, when I first got my tabor 3 hole flute, I gave it a go while driving.  But then you know the rest of the story.

Congratulations Susie.   Exciting times are here for you.

Lisa, that was incredible.   I don't know quite what I expected, but you exceeded my expectations. 

You have come so far so quickly.   Impressive. 

Congratulations on learning a new instrument.   Very proud of you.

Terry

Maria, if you think stealing some time with a flute is more convenient than stringed instruments, and I agee, try the ultimate convenient instrument:

HARMONICA!!!  I live approximately 14 miles from anywhere, so anytime I go anywhere, alone of course, I practice harp while driving.  I love it.  😊  

Love going Anywhere,  USA.

Jennifer, your bag is beautiful.  Glad you are happy with your choice of flute.

  Terry

Jennifer, congratulations.   Big moment in your life.

Me too, John.

Jennifer, if I may, the best 2 tips I could give to anyone just beginning their journey with NAF would be these:

1.  It only takes a whisper.

2.  Don't get carried away tonguing every note.

"That's about all I'm gonna say about that."(as in F. Gump)

Jennifer, I predict you will be very pleased with your a sparrow Hawk A.  Congratulations on your choice.

This choice will get you off to a confidence building start, which is so important when learning NAF.  

Good for you, hugssandi.

Hey hugssandi, how do you find time to play anything?  With six kids?  Wow.   Strumella may see fit to give you a fotmd.com metal of honor one day.

Like a circus balancing act, huh?  My advice would be for you to NOT MEMORIZE SONGS, YOU NEED YOUR SLEEP.

PS:  Sandi, please understand that what I wrote above is a hahahaha moment for you.  I just funnin with ya.

I just came across this topic and was fixing to give my two cents, a then read Gail's post above.

It works.

When I'm driving my car the 14 miles to town, or 35 miles to my grandkids school to watch them play ball, if I'm not practicing harmonica,  I'm singing songs that I have to memory or listening to songs I am learning.  Whew!

This is just my simple way of keeping these songs in my muscle brain memory.  I just beg for excuses to drive alone.  

A key for me in my practice routine is  (and this is important) as I am singing a line, I practice visualizing the beginning of the next line.  If this makes sense, you can't think it, you have to see it

But once you really get it, there's really no thinking or seeing at all, it's just there.  The problem you may experience is going to sleep at night, or just taking a nap during the day.  Brain overload.  You're extremely sleepy, but your songs won't let you sleep. 

You sure you wanna do this?

Try it.......you'll like it.

Pretty dog gone creative there Jim.

Jim, while I also have quite a few in a drawer. Always one or two laying around in view.


  I also keep a couple in my dulcimer bag and a couple in a uke bag.  I like to be ready.

Here's something you might try, Jim.  Instead of a pipe, use a harmonica, holding it with your harp holder.  Then you have a hand to steady the drum and the other to hold the drum stick.  It actually works nicely.  Real nice

However, something just doesn't feel right about it.  After all,  it's pipe and tabor, not harmonica and tabor.

Jim, I agree with Lisa, as crafty as you seem to be, you can make this drum work.

Jim,  it would sure be interesting to see the side of the drum.  Us tabor people find this interesting.

Nice looking flute you got there.  Good job.

Coordinating the two instruments for a beginner is, I believe, the most difficult part to learning pipe and tabor.  Fitting the drum on your arm and holding a flute with one hand, well enough to cover the holes properly, is very trying in the beginning.

However, with a little practice, the ah ha moments begin.

Until my coordination improves, I am only practicing very simple songs like:

Mary had a little lamb,  Aunt Rhody, Cabbage song, and Twinkle Twinkle.   For me  the most fun I experience is just making up music and marching inside and outside of my home.  

Neighbors are seldom home and even if they were we are not very close.

My most stressing learning obstacle is arthritis in my hands and fingers.  But I do feel this is improving thanks to Strumelia, Lexie,  my wife, and meds.

Try it.......you may just like it.

Lisa, you being a mother hen is just fine.  I'll do it.

I was just telling my wife a few minutes ago, as we are driving from Florida back home to Georgia,  how much I miss practicing my instruments.  She is shopping at a Bealls outlet store, while I'm resting in the car.

Lisa, yes, you are nuts.   A real nut.  But be at peace, there are a lot of music nuts on this forum, including this Ole south Georgia boy.  It's almost embarrassing when I look in my harmonica drawer.  

Lisa!  I really love your video.

Lisa,

I just saw your video, seconds ago.  Wow!  I am so very proud of you.  I know how difficult this is, and I also know you have put some work into this madness.  

I've got to get home soon and get busy.

Hooray for Lisa.  Hooray,  hooray. 

That's pretty impressive, Maria.  And your dad appears very satisfied, that he made his little girl very happy.  

Hey Lexie, we are also waiting for some of that "Coordinate".  Please, if you know where I can buy some, please let me know.  Try blowing Aunt Rhodie on your thumb and patting your belly at the same time.   

Terry

PS:  Please let me know how you do.  

2nd PS:  I hope you know I am funnin you...........

I am here to report that today is a much better day.  Less stiffness, less pain.  

Strumelia, don't give up on me just yet.  "I'm still here baby!!!"   I can't wait to witness you post a video of you playing pipe and tabor.  That will be the highlight of my day when that day comes, and will probably open the door for others to take up this fantastic combo.

In my humble unlearned opinion, Strumelia, I believe you will be happier with a shorter pipe.  I now prefer wood over plastic.

  About 6 months ago I began my journey with the NAF.  I loved it, and I still do.  For several years now I have suffered from arthritis in both hands, especially in the finger area.  Some days good, some days worse.  It wasn't so bad that it stopped me from learning dulcimer and ukulele.  

However, a couple of months after taking up NAF, I noticed a pronounced change in the pain and stiffness of my hands and fingers.  It just got worse and worse.  Recently, I took up pipe (3 hole flute) and tabor (small drum).  Regrettably, I found that holding a flute with one hand and covering the holes with 3 fingers, only escalated the problem.  This is a huge disappointment, as I found pipe and tabor to be hugely fun, I mean really fun.  

So this is a word of caution.  If you suffer from arthritis in your hands, just know that if you take up NAF, you too may suffer more pain, as I have.  My advice would be to take it real easy.  Don't start playing 2 or 3 hours a day, as I did.  When I attempt to learn a new instrument, I'm all in, I go hog wild.  Just limit your playing time to perhaps 30 min. a day, and notice carefully of any increased discomfort.  

I still have my harmonicas, which is painless, so I have stepped up my playing time.  I still manage to play dulcimer and ukulele at two assisted living homes each week for an hour.  Dropping a pic was a problem this week, but Strumelia gave me a great tip, "use a larger pic".  I think it will work.  Yes, it's painful, but I love these folks too much to give it up.  

The good news is I may have discovered some help.  While my doctor has prescribed me some stronger meds, I believe 4000 mg of fish oil, no tomatoes, very little potatoes, and no white bread will help the most.  I've been taking the fish oil for 4 days now, and I can already feel some relief.  Less stiffness when I woke up this morning.  The fact that I am typing up this absolutely way too long post, is evidence that my fingers feel better.  Victory is near.  

Strumelia, I just wanted to thank you publicly for helping me get through this, with your advice and genuine concern.  You are a winner for sure.  "I will not be giving up on pipe and tabor."  

Best Regards,

Terry

Congratulations.   You won't be sorry.

I agree.  Beautifil.

 Hey Susie, you may want to listen to some or all of John and Karen Keane"s videos they have posted, using the NAF and dulcimer.    If you search, you will find many, and I believe the dulcimer is most always played in DAd.   The Keane's are also keen on answering any questions you might need answering.  

 Susie.

That is the same Bm NAF that I own.  Since I play solo 100% of the time, I don't know how it sounds with dulcimer. 

However, the reason I bought it, my first flute,  was because one of our most respected members recommended it. His first name is John, if that's a clue.

I figured one day before I die, I might get a chance to play it in a dulcimer jam.

I love mine.  I was just practicing Holy Holy Holy, before leaving for church this morning.

.

Hi John

This is an interesting topic.  I agree with most everyone else,  do it your way.  The right way is your way.

Personally, I play 3 strings only.  Why?  When my journey began 4 years ago. I immediately took my one and only lesson.  The teacher was a past Florida state dulcimer champion.   She said play with 3 strings.  So I did.

Lisa, good for you.  And you won't be disappointed.   The sound and the quality is superb.  I will be shocked if you are not happy with your choice. 

I'm here to tell someone out there, if you are a little bored, and seeking a new challenge, another adventure, then Pipe and Tabor might just fill this need.

Oh yes we do.  I'll give it at least week or so.  

Lisa, while I wish for a 9 inch model, I like the 12 too much to return it.

Today I received a EMS Tabor Drum 12"  with 2 sticks.

The  drum is of excellent quality, and has a wonderful sound.

However, if I had it to do over again, I would choose a 10" drum.  At least to learn on..   I should have considered weight and size to begin with.  It's difficult enough just learning to hold the pipe with one hand.

I'll not be returning the 12".   A little inconvenience might be a good thing.

I am posting this message just in case someone else is out there thinking of diving in.

Lisa, yes, it really is a challenge.  But the idea and possibilities of it all is to much to ignore.  Some things in life just whop you up side your head, and I believe I have been whopped.

Like you Lisa, my plan is to practice a couple of very easy songs, over and over and over  again.  Same method learning dulcimer 4 years ago.

In my humble opinion, I think it will prove more difficult than learning NAF.  Simply because one has to learn to over blow, instead of trying not too.