Any string players here?

[Alex F]

I'm just wondering whether anyone here also plays violin, viola (Yeah, Yeah, I know . . . ), cello, or double bass.

If so, do you currently play in an ensemble (any size)?

Other than a few weeks of playing clarinet (not by choice), my first instrument was the cello. I was privileged to take lessons from Alice Lawrence Baker, the first woman to hold a permanent chair in the CSO (1943-1956). She was in poor health when I first met her and died about three years after I started lessons (I don't think the two events were related). I still own the cello, a 50 year old German carved instrument of advanced student quality. Every time I think of selling it, I just can't bring myself to do it.

My musings for the day.

[XtremeEuph]

No one bash these people for buying violas , they are doing you a favour.....................keeping the viola numbers in orchestras down.

[Rick Denney]

My first instrument was also the cello. I don't own or play one any more because I'm havin' too much fun playin' tuba.

My sister played 'cello in junior high school, and when it was my turn (two years later), my mother accompanied me to the band room to MAKE SURE I chose an instrument small enough to fit in the car.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Rick "who got bell ring grease on the upholstery, to go with the hole made by the pin rest" Denney

[iiipopes]

I play upright bass. I can hack on the viola if given some time to prepare the music to be hacked.

I am actually about to purchase a decent 17" viola that is about 120 years old and is a usable pro axe. I hope that I do not break the thing with my clumsy tuba player paws!!

So, getting prepared if it gets really cold at night, are we?

[Tom Mason]

I play upright and lateral bass.

Play in a regional orchestra, 2 or 3 jazz quintets, and 1 or 2 big bands in my area, plus any pick-up work I can get.

Tom Mason

[windshieldbug]

I had the string action valves on my CC Marzan converted to mechanical

[MaryAnn]

I'm just wondering whether anyone here also plays violin, viola (Yeah, Yeah, I know . . . ), cello, or double bass.

If so, do you currently play in an ensemble (any size)?

<snip>

My musings for the day.

Yeah, I am more than conversant with violin and viola, could still be paid to play both if I had a few weeks to re-initialize the technique arrays. A couple of you have an mp3 of my most recent "fiddle" venture (ask Doc.)

When I had to give up horn I started cello lessons, but I'm sort of wondering what for, since I don't like playing in string sections (competetive, as opposed to cooperative that I experienced in my horn section of 8 years) and also am pretty faded for playing in chamber ensembles. Haven't bought a cello (renting from teacher,) but have found ones I like in the $10k - $20k range. My teacher, www.nancygreencello.com, is leaving to move back East due to parent illness problems, and I'm bummed out immeasureably and, well, phooey.

MA

[tubatooter1940]

I could have been content with a trumpet in it's itsy-witsy case to lug around but I wanted to play guitar. My bandmates used to hide it at first but chipped in on a new p.a. system after I bought a huge Fender Super Six amp-followed by a 88 key piano. Cargo van time for me!
Not yet satisfied, I had to add a tuba to my load, (it has to have it's own seat with seatbelt) and I believe the reason I am not yet dead is due to the excercise I get lugging this stuff around.