Following the totally unexpected number of enquiries about my last idea I thought I'd float this one too.

How about a taster day for those just possibly maybe thinking about trying a new instrument, or signing up for a Grade 1 challenge?

We would need people willing to loan an instrument (or two) for the event, and teachers and/or current students of the instrument willing to give demonstrations and sample lessons. It might be possible to invite some trade stands as well, for those impulse buys.

This is just a thought in the back of mind at the moment, fuelled by the amount of instrument swapping that seems to go on at Forums concerts.

Any comments?

You're a dangerous woman, Andante...




I think I probably SHOULD stay away from such an event, but I doubt I would... it would be enormous fun great idea!

I'm willing to bring the spare clarinet and show people how to play it, IF I can get there! Sounds like fun!!!!

Yes, a dangerous idea, but oh so fun!!!

Oh do come Sarah .... and could you bring your harp, pleeeeeeze!!

I mean, I doubt I would stay away!!

Whether I could get the harp there I really don't know if it was over London way near Andante that'd only happen if someone from round here was willing to give me a lift. Doable, if so, but not on the train

I'm just floating this as an idea to see if it would be popular. The venue wouldn't have to be near me - in fact a more central venue might be good, or London possibly.

Sounds like fun even if I'm not looking for something new to learn it would be interesting to get a taster of some things I haven't played before.

I'm guessing it will be popular

I'd love to come, hope that's clear and would be willing to bring the harp IF I could get it there, though I can't guarantee that... taking it on the train just isn't going to happen (Sorry, guess I just assumed London. Train anywhere though, with harp, is not the easiest *grin*)

(Hoping this does take place sooner or later and that someone brings a French horn... )

Some people just have no sense of adventure.

This sounds lots of fun, although I'm not sure I should be doing anything which might encourage me to take up the cello - there are only just enough hours in the day as it is!


I take it you'll be bringing a piano on the train then, sbhoa

Sounds a really great idea Andante, and yes, I'd love to see and hear your harp Sarah (never mind have a go on it).

However, with my lousy track record of getting to forum events (busy most Saturdays and Sundays for starters) I know it's unlikely to be practicable for me. But will keep an interested eye on any plans that might unfold!

I think it's a good idea because there's many people who are keen on lots of different instruments, but I'm doing my best not to succomb at the moment until I'm more advanced on my clarinet So probably count me out as a serious contender for this one....

It's just to try, skyers, you don't HAVE to take a new one up...

Get thee behind me, you you you flute-devil you!



edit: Hmmm, it would be rather nice to try a flute .....

Hmmm, it would be rather nice to try a flute .....

Yes I'd like to try a flute too

Well, might as well live up to the reputation...

Yes. Good idea. Flute's great instrument cos its small,doesn't weigh a ton,cheap compared to the piano and shiny!!

the best bit...

Don't do it, Carl! Horrid deviant instruments, no notes below bottom C, a dozen leger lines off the top of the stave, too few keys, no reeds to complain about, you'll only be able to play three notes before you faint from lack of breath...


































...but they do have Baroque repertoire. And they're shiny

I don't see lots of fainting flautists at forums events...

Makes a good tongue-twister, that.

My original idea was for a 'play the instrument you've never got along with' day. Quite a lot of us have a failure in our past. Mine was clarinet, which I played for six months at the age of 11. Anyone else want to admit to something?

(It's amazing what the mind comes up with when travelling the length of the M1 after a Forums concert, isn't it!)

Who needs furniture if you have lots of instruments? Have cushions on the floor, that's what I do


Violin

I'm not very good at giving instruments up even if it turns out that I'm pretty shabby at playing them...

Just realised if I was going to bring the harp I will really need to practise so I'm not really really bad!


Hehehe!

My flute isn't shiny



I guess I never got along with the piano. But that was partly due to the teacher being appalling.

I'd like to hav a go at the classical guitar.

Guitar. Not for the want of trying, but I just didn't 'click' with it, lovely instrument though it is...

I think this is a great idea Andante. Am willing to a) bring a clarinet and a supply of 1.5 reeds for people to play, and to give advice on all things clari, and b ) to try out other instruments that other people bring.

The only instrument I can bring is a digeridoo.....

Oh (digeri)do bring that along Nicki...

Great. I might even risk a clarinet lesson from a good teacher. Mine was really an oboist, and never explained anything properly.

We need to put our heads together, O-keeper-of-the-calendar, and find a date.

Yep....

Now you mention it, I think that's one instrument that I actually managed to give up when I turned out to be bad at it, instead of soldiering on despite it


All this talk of clarinets and oboes, I read that as "we need to put our reeds together" and wondered if you were being tempted to the oboe

Not that one! My normal flute


*groan*

*DOUBLEGROAN*

Naturally......

Nice to see I'm up to my usual punning standard...

Anyway, back to topic....

OK, I've consulted he-who-runs-the-calendar, and we're looking at two possible dates initially: Sunday 4th or Sunday 18th November. We've gone for Sundays because more teachers are likely to be available. Because public transport is more tricky on Sundays, we're thinking of a London venue.

OOO

*Goes to pencil both dates on calendar*

I'm afraid I can't bring my organ. The people on train might complain. Again.

Shame. It was running through my mind that we might get you to bring it.

you meant double organ of course ...

MrB won't get two of them on the train.

maybe not, but that won't stop him trying ...

Will be in Durham, hopefully, but will see if I can come!

That would be good. We would have had to wait a long time to fit it into your uni vacations.

Yes - I'll try and come if I can for sure! Maybe I can coincide it with seeing parents?

This sounds like a really good idea. I'd love to join in, but can only help with piano which probably won't be a lot of good. I'd really love to try the flute/clarinet/oboe/guitar/bongo drums/comb & paper and anything else that I have never tried before. May I come please?

Nannyjay! Good to see you back! I think there was a thread a while ago with people concerned about how you were. Of course you could come!

Welcome back to the forums nannyjay - you will be most welcome to come!

Thankyou, I'll make a note in my diary of the two dates. Nice to see you all again.

Welcome back Nannyjay - we've been wondering how you were ! good to hear from you.
x