Play the Cello better!

i think i can check this off the list, because i can now play cello “better” than when i started. but i have to return it to the owner before i move, so i’m doing clean-up on my 43thing list.

I am now playing cello in two local bands (one is just for one show- to try it out, the other is probably a pretty regular thing because I’m also playing keys/singing in it). You can see a video here: http://www.youtube.com/v/CuGUpuiS1EM

Not perfect, but not bad!

I really am getting better, and it’s fun to learn an instrument by feel/ear for once. I’m usually very set on learning where notes and intervals are found before doing any improvising, and I’m just totally throwing that out the window on this one, with great results! Seems the interval stuff comes really naturally after only a little goofing around aimlessly.

Got a 1 rating at states. Life is sweeeeeet!

Even sweeter, though, is that I never have to go to States again. No more memorizing stupid scales!!!!!!!

I just found out that there’s only going to be like 10 of us performing, which is about half as many as usual.

...which means that more people are likey to come watch because it was be SO much shorter and this concert is renowned for being LONG.

...which means people are more likely to remember my performance.

...which means it better be completely awesome. Especially since the band performances tend to be rather boring and people kind of get excited when someone’s accompanied by the orchestra.

I just don’t want to disappoint Dottie (my orchestra director). That’s all I want.

Okay, so I got a I rating at district solo/ensemble, so that’s definitely a good thing. Now I have to go to States, and then is the Senior Solo concert! I’m on track for sure.

hey, it’s weird how well practice works. every time i sit down with it, i get better. i am attempting to learn cello “feel it” way, rather than the “read it” way. i’m sure after i learn to feel it, since i’m skilled at reading on all the other instruments i play, that it’ll be a simple enough jump to reading for cello.

my most notable latest accomplishments with cello are:
- vibrato half the time, instead of just about one/fourth
- very little squeaking

need to work on fingering and quicker jumping between strings.

i have been recording myself for an EP I’m working on, and it’s actually coming out pretty nicely!

I found a place here in Chicago that gives free music lessons in exchange for two hours of community service a month. I think I’m going to sign up for cello.

So, my bastardly teacher only gave me two weeks notice before the student recital. Two weeks!
He said that I shouldn’t be nervous because I’m his most advanced adult student. Two things. Thing one: I don’t care, I still hate playing in front of people. And thing two: does that mean half the kids can play me under the table? Hi-larious.
Thank goodness I’m playing a duet.

This goal should be called “play cello every day and practice more productively”. Sometimes it’s the last thing I want to do after a long day (like today), but I should make the effort to play, even for just 10 minutes. I feel bad for my neighbours, because they have to listen to me sawing away at the same old things day after day. But it’ll never sound better if I don’t practice!

Today I am making a recording for Grad-School admission tapes…I feel semi-prepared, but I wish I could PLAY THE CELLO BETTER!!!! Ack!