Whoa! He's a WO!

Congratulations to son number two! Promoted to Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2) in Air Cadets.

Sicamous memories

It's a strange feeling, when the Stanley Cup is being broadcast on TV, and I hear the names of two preschoolers from our block in Sicamous.

Shea Weber lived a few doors up the street, and we caused many a delay-of-game ("CAR!") in his early career. Cody Franson's grandparents lived across our back fence. I think he had a stick in his hands as soon as he could walk, batting at a beach ball in their driveway.

Can you say 10,000 times?

The Flockharts were also from Sicamous. We thought that was why every other kid in town thought they would be hockey stars. Whatever the reason, maybe that belief really helped to ignite the fire and added to the early start (and 10,000 times), dedicated parents, and good coaching, and made it happen for some of them! (Kris Beech also became a professional player.)

(I hope no one is wondering why I'm putting a "music education" label on this post. But if you are, see my early February posts, "Making Playing Easier", parts 1 and 2)

Chin cello?

I've heard a lot of jokes over the years about a playing a cello under the chin.  Take a look! (and note the lack of endpin).  Yes it IS a cello, albeit a small one. I'm thinking there's something historical going on here, but I'm a bit fuzzy on my cello history details - other than that violoncello actually means "little violone". Definitely a baroque bow, and the bridge is not your standard modern bridge.
Vivaldi Cello Concerto in D major RV.403 La Petite Bande

(inserting new video here - the last was had been removed from YouTube)
I suppose this might be the answer for a violist who would like to play the cello - I'm pretty sure he's using a violin/viola finger pattern.

Alternatively, if you're a cellist who would like to play violin, you could try this.

(Yes, this is Wells Cunningham playing BOTH parts, and by the magic of video and careful listening on those headphones...)

Spring

A week ago I took the camera out to shoot signs of spring and document my compost (yes, someone asked!). Today I went out without a jacket for the first time this spring!

Early Stardrift

Lilac

Raspberry

The yard is full of these maple seedlings every spring.  Unsure what the other one is.

The composter was full last fall, mostly of maple leaves. (It is now about 2/3 full.) Kitchen scraps have been buried in the leaves throughout the winter, and they are now starting to break down along with deeper, now slimy, leaves.  Working to get the air in by weekly stirring.  I didn't get a leaf bin made last fall, but we do have a heap next to the Earth Machine composter, plus some in bags, so we can add as needed throughout the summer.

Wait!  Didn't I just find all those signs of spring?  We were surprised by this the next morning, April 18!

Happy Easter!

I enjoyed playing with the Easter choir at church this morning.  Here is the original recording of Twila Paris singing "Lamb of God", one of the pieces the choir sang this morning.

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! John 1:29

Barton Frank

Barton Frank, well-known musician, professor, and educator, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2011. He was born October 5, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Anne and Adam Frank. His talent for music and the cello was recognized early, and he studied with the world-famous cellist, Gregor Piatigorsky which was the start of a successful and varied music career. He graduated early, at age 19, with honors from the Curtis Institute of Music and became the youngest principal cellist of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. Barton continued his career with tours throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States, both in orchestras and as a soloist. He was principal cellist of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra where he met cellist Maureen O'Carroll who became his wife and the mother of their three children. The strong drive to teach brought him to Washington State University in 1965 where he was professor of low strings and conductor of the orchestra. He was recruited to be a member of the music faculty at Western Washington University and accepted the position in the fall of 1969. After retiring he continued teaching private lessons, coaching chamber music groups, and guest conducting. In recent years he returned to solo performing and captured local audiences with his imaginative recitals and fine musicianship. In addition to music, he loved painting, cooking, photography, and collecting and restoring vintage string instruments. Barton was a passionate man dedicated to his art and will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, and compassion. Barton is survived by his children, Adrienne, Leora, and Eamon, four grandchildren, dear friend Sharon Ashley and a multitude of students and great friends. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 25th at 3:00 PM at Lairmont Manor, 405 Fieldston Road, Bellingham. Memorials may be made in Barton Frank's name to the Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Attn DEV office.

Published in Bellingham Herald on March 22, 2011

Guest book

Travelin' Light travelin' through Salmon Arm

Travelin'Light in Salmon Arm! (Read all about it!)

Looking forward to seeing Corbin again - my cello section leader from grade 9!

travelinlight.ca   (Listen to sound samples here)