Hello All

My strings teacher has a number of adult learners and over the summer suggested that we play together.

Over the last month we have had a couple of sessions trying to bash out a tune, we are a rather mixed ability group, but it has been fun. I think it is my turn to bring the cakes next week!

Glad you had fun!

Playing with other people I think is one of the most rewarding things about music

Yes, making music with others is definitely one of the most enjoyable things about music.

(Or is it the cakes.......?)

Glad you enjoyed it. I joined my local concert training band in July and have loved every session even though it is quite challenging . Everyone has been really welcoming and the conductor thankfully is very patient!

Which makes it all the more frustrating for those of us who don't get the opportunities.

I've just discovered that one of my erstwhile Off Metice colleagues plays the recorder, via a Facebook announcement of a forthcoming performance. That was news to me - he never told me as much no matter how many times I asked on the office newsgroups if anyone else had an interest in recorder playing or early music.

Does anyone know of any good pieces for recorder + viola (not gamba)? Preferably pitched at a level that someone who doesn't play in an orchestra can cope with.

Is there absolutely no-one you can contact in your local SRPs that will join you for playing? I know you've tried avenues like that before, but it might be worth giving it another go.

Flute diva and I are hoping to do something that'll involve recorders (amongst other instruments) in 2010 in the venue we're using for the Taunton playday next month (in Milverton, which is about 5 miles west of Taunton). I can keep you informed on that Aeolienne.

Absorutely! I joined in local orcehstra just after 8 months I started to learn new instrument. (Now I am scared how brave I was...!) but my teacher and our 1st oboe (she is also teacher) both told me how much I improved.
So I believe playing in the group gives you so much things to learn and encourage.
Instead of playing the solo, "make a music" with consorts is much more fun!

And here am I umming and arring about taking up an offer to take my oboe along to a local orchestra after playing for 18 months. I must get my finger out, I'm slipping.

I went with living dangerously and started at orchestra when I'd had the clarinet 2 weeks!

I remember being very impressed when you told me about that sbhoa

It did you loads of good. I like your orchestra

Yes it absolutely is. Some of the best friendships and relationships in my life so far have come from people with who I've made music. I'm enjoying even more opportunities to meet others now I'm taking a temporary bit of 'early retirement' whilst I decide what I want to do to earn a crust next.

There was quite a lot of spectator sport involved....

That's just learning from other people, absorbing the information for use another time!

Well teacher last night said to go for it. I also mentioned a playday coming up which I thought might be an idea to do, but might be too hard. The result is my next lesson will cover my normal studies, pieces, exercises and BEETHOVEN'S 5TH

We had another Goup session this week, more fun lots of laughs and great cakes.

You would be fine at the East London Clarinet Choir's playday in Manchester in January, and they're always crying out for oboists to go (to the extent that they get in for half price )

Reeeeaaally? Hmm, sounds interesting.

There's a thread in Viva Woodwind, that smd started, there's also a Facebook group (look up 'East London Clarinet Choir')

Website is here.

Already found it

Cool They always get some great names in to do the various playing sessions.

Oh pushpull, you really try to do it!
When i joined last Jan i was just passed G3 with distinction, they looked for G8 minimum, but becasue of my clarinet experience they accepted me.

Since, I learn so many things from them and director. And Brave enough (too much) I did local church solo recital with friedns and following week, i passed G5 with distinction in June.
I think orchestra helped me a lot for sight-reading, singing , counting etc... I am working on G7 now.

I am sure you will love and teacher helps you music for concert! (So mine does.)
Good luck!!

Thanks for the encouragement. Looks like I've just got to get on with it

I'm sure you'll be fine : playing music with others is fun