I mentioned back issues HERE several months ago. I am happy to say that things have improved since then! The aches improved with manual therapy (and tennis balls on the wall, and time on the floor at home) to relieve the muscle knots. Stretching the pectorals have made a big difference in posture. I had been working on that for months, but didn't see real improvement until my second physiotherapist gave me a bigger, better stretch.** Combining that with the "Fix the Shoulder Blades" exercise as seen at fixtheneck.com, and trying to develop new habits... big difference. I had tried the shoulder blade exercise before without much success, probably due to the tight pectorals.
Fixtheneck.com helped me to understand why my neck was bothering me, even after physio treatment - or rather, even more after treatment. It seems to be slowly improving now.
I am not going to blame cello playing for all my issues (I have mild scoliosis, probably inherited from both parents!), but I think playing has contributed to the muscle imbalances. Currently reading more about that in The Athletic Musician by physiotherapist Barbara Paull and violinist Christine Harrison. Still on my reading list is The Musician as Athlete by cellist Dorothy Bishop. Another good book about taking care of the musician's body is Playing (Less) Hurt by cellist Janet Horvath.*** Here is an interview where she offers advice for musicians:
You might be at a place where videos and books can help, but if you are already aching I recommend also seeking the help of a good physiotherapist who does manual therapy - wish I had done so years ago!
Check back soon for my other reason to see a physiotherapist!
**EDIT: The stretch worked very well for my muscles, but unfortunately was a bit too much for the nerves. When numbness and tingling developed in my hands I returned to the physiotherapist who had me change stretching techniques.
***EDIT: Another article which gives injury prevention advice: A Painful Melody: Repetetive Strain Injury Among Musicians.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Friday, December 13, 2013
Weather Woes - How to rewind your strings
MOST of my students, and myself - twice - have had cello tuning pegs let go with the recent cold spell. Because the pegs and pegbox are constructed of different woods, they shrink at different rates with changes in humidity and temperature. This causes the peg to lose its pressed fit and pop! ... the string is loose. In many cases, the string needs to be rewound from square one. Click here for your tutorial in how to properly wind your strings! Book mark the page for the occasion of new strings, too!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Tis the Season!
Upcoming performances! (updated with more details on Dec. 3) (EDITED DEC 6 - note time change on DEC 7 Ladies' Brunch)
Shuswap Singers Concerts: Fri Nov 29 7:30 PM and Sun Dec 1 2:30 PM
First United Church Salmon Arm, $12, Students $6, 12 and under free
Vivaldi Gloria, Mozart Ave Verum, A variety of Celtic songs, tunes and rhythms
Soloists: Andrea Roberts and Jenn Britton
String Quartet: Susan Aylard, Sonja Heide, Rina Schuurman, Barb Ennis
Conductor: Lori Onsorge
Accompanist: Andrew Stoney
Rough Pearl: Susan Aylard and Sonja Heide
(Thanks for your prayers on this one! The instrumentalists only have one rehearsal with the full group.)
Music on the Hills: Sun Dec 1 7:00 PM
Grandview Bench Hall (Grandview Bench Road)
Admission by donation
A variety of community musicians, refreshments to follow
Larch Hills Ensemble (recorder, viola, cello, guitar in this performance) presents premier performance of "Peregrinas's Songs" by our own Monika Adler based on memories of childhood and youth in a 1000 year old German town and surrounding mountains!
Also: Barbershop Quartet, vocal trio, banjo, mandolin, cello solo if my hand is still up for it!
Chorealis vocal ensemble: Fri Dec 6 7:30 PM
SAGA Art Gallery Salmon Arm, $15, under 12 free
I'll be joining the "other" recorder group for a repeat performance of a few of Peregrina's Songs while the choir takes a breather. I'm looking forward to hearing this Vernon-based a cappella group!
www.chorealis.ca
Shuswap Community Church Ladies' Winter Brunch: Sat Dec 7 9:30 AM - Noon
At the church 3151 6th Ave NE Salmon Arm, $5
I'm playing a few Christmas carols with one of my students. Includes brunch, of course, and making your own Christmas swag.
Christmas in Canoe: Sun Dec 8 2:30 PM
Canoe United Church - the tiny little heritage church on 50th St. NE
Donations to the church accepted
Carol singing, reading by Charles McLennon, including music by Rod Densmore, Laurie Shea, Barb Ennis and a Canoe student, Rhiannon Schmitt and students. Refreshments following.
Cello Studio Christmas Party: Sat Dec 14 1 - 2 PM
Salmon Arm
For studio members (free) and community cellists (donation) and their families. Group playing, duets, solos, a game or two and refreshments. Contact me for details if interested in joining us.
Whew! Thankfully, a little break before:
Caelestis Cello Ensemble (+ Bass): Fri Jan 24 (VCMS Adult Performance Night 7:00 PM)
Vernon Community Music School, the "the Loft" of the Carriage House.
Under the direction of George Kiraly
Bach Cantata - Wir Christenleut
Handel - Air from Oratorio - Jephtha - Freely I to Heaven Resign
Piazolla - Libertango
Vivaldi - Concerto in D minor for Cello
Shuswap Singers Concerts: Fri Nov 29 7:30 PM and Sun Dec 1 2:30 PM
First United Church Salmon Arm, $12, Students $6, 12 and under free
Vivaldi Gloria, Mozart Ave Verum, A variety of Celtic songs, tunes and rhythms
Soloists: Andrea Roberts and Jenn Britton
String Quartet: Susan Aylard, Sonja Heide, Rina Schuurman, Barb Ennis
Conductor: Lori Onsorge
Accompanist: Andrew Stoney
Rough Pearl: Susan Aylard and Sonja Heide
(Thanks for your prayers on this one! The instrumentalists only have one rehearsal with the full group.)
Music on the Hills: Sun Dec 1 7:00 PM
Grandview Bench Hall (Grandview Bench Road)
Admission by donation
A variety of community musicians, refreshments to follow
Larch Hills Ensemble (recorder, viola, cello, guitar in this performance) presents premier performance of "Peregrinas's Songs" by our own Monika Adler based on memories of childhood and youth in a 1000 year old German town and surrounding mountains!
Also: Barbershop Quartet, vocal trio, banjo, mandolin, cello solo if my hand is still up for it!
Chorealis vocal ensemble: Fri Dec 6 7:30 PM
SAGA Art Gallery Salmon Arm, $15, under 12 free
I'll be joining the "other" recorder group for a repeat performance of a few of Peregrina's Songs while the choir takes a breather. I'm looking forward to hearing this Vernon-based a cappella group!
www.chorealis.ca
Shuswap Community Church Ladies' Winter Brunch: Sat Dec 7 9:30 AM - Noon
At the church 3151 6th Ave NE Salmon Arm, $5
I'm playing a few Christmas carols with one of my students. Includes brunch, of course, and making your own Christmas swag.
Christmas in Canoe: Sun Dec 8 2:30 PM
Canoe United Church - the tiny little heritage church on 50th St. NE
Donations to the church accepted
Carol singing, reading by Charles McLennon, including music by Rod Densmore, Laurie Shea, Barb Ennis and a Canoe student, Rhiannon Schmitt and students. Refreshments following.
Cello Studio Christmas Party: Sat Dec 14 1 - 2 PM
Salmon Arm
For studio members (free) and community cellists (donation) and their families. Group playing, duets, solos, a game or two and refreshments. Contact me for details if interested in joining us.
Whew! Thankfully, a little break before:
Caelestis Cello Ensemble (+ Bass): Fri Jan 24 (VCMS Adult Performance Night 7:00 PM)
Vernon Community Music School, the "the Loft" of the Carriage House.
Under the direction of George Kiraly
Bach Cantata - Wir Christenleut
Handel - Air from Oratorio - Jephtha - Freely I to Heaven Resign
Piazolla - Libertango
Vivaldi - Concerto in D minor for Cello
Monday, November 4, 2013
Rachmaninov Cello Sonata - III
A current favourite of mine performed exquisitely here by 19 year old Nathan Chan and 17 year old Sarina Zhang. These kids have done their homework.
Monday, October 28, 2013
A good year for apples!
The namesake of the blog didn't produce that well this year, but the Spartans are outstanding.
Well, that one was an anomaly, but the tree was heavily loaded with good sized apples. More hours of baking ahead of me... Send your favourite recipes!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
September
He didn't think I would last more than a week, but for a month I have been dragging myself from bed and walking hubby to work!
Did I say walk? Hmm. Remember when speed-walking was in? Nah, we don't look quite like that, but it's no easy stroll. And he is quite impressed that I am keeping up to him on the hill. I have considered walking with him in the past, but knew I would slow him down. So those summer morning and evening up-the-hill-hikes paid off! I was up to the "active lifestyle" 10,000 steps a day in August, too, but fall's schedule, earlier sundown has cut me down to between 5 and 7,000. I'm trying to not think about winter.
Oh, okay, I did miss the day I had a morning medical appointment and a few days when we had contractors doing our floors...
FLOORS! Big improvement! The process was not fun as we had to move everything on the main floor, at least twice, and the vacuum got a major work-out. I think there was an entire cat's worth of fur under the fridge. (Did I say my back was getting better???) There are a few little issues to be fixed still, but I am happy to report that the carpet has passed the first hairball test with flying colours! :-) (No pun intended, and thanks, Fido!) Is there food spilled on the kitchen floor? Who knows!
The flooring happened a month late, but August wast the month when things that were supposed to happen didn't and things that weren't supposed to happen did.
I sure hope paint is easier.
Did I say walk? Hmm. Remember when speed-walking was in? Nah, we don't look quite like that, but it's no easy stroll. And he is quite impressed that I am keeping up to him on the hill. I have considered walking with him in the past, but knew I would slow him down. So those summer morning and evening up-the-hill-hikes paid off! I was up to the "active lifestyle" 10,000 steps a day in August, too, but fall's schedule, earlier sundown has cut me down to between 5 and 7,000. I'm trying to not think about winter.
Oh, okay, I did miss the day I had a morning medical appointment and a few days when we had contractors doing our floors...
FLOORS! Big improvement! The process was not fun as we had to move everything on the main floor, at least twice, and the vacuum got a major work-out. I think there was an entire cat's worth of fur under the fridge. (Did I say my back was getting better???) There are a few little issues to be fixed still, but I am happy to report that the carpet has passed the first hairball test with flying colours! :-) (No pun intended, and thanks, Fido!) Is there food spilled on the kitchen floor? Who knows!
The flooring happened a month late, but August wast the month when things that were supposed to happen didn't and things that weren't supposed to happen did.
I sure hope paint is easier.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Flashback for my 70s friends! The best song from 1975.
Bohemian Rhapsody for cello quartet. Not quite Queen, but, well, this IS a (mostly) cello blog!
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