Thanks, ET. I will try my best, that's all I can do!

I agree re: the theory papers. I find them quite therapeutic and relaxing to do! I'm not sure I will feel quite the same way when it comes to doing Grade 5 theory next term!

Yes you will, it only changes when you get to Grade 6 plus and even then once you get used to the changes it becomes addictive still.

ET

We shall see, ET... not sure if I fancy going past Grade 5 as it looks as if it gets a bit brain-busting!

Back on topic...

I think we will settle at an attendance of 12 here. That gives 15 minutes playing/messing around each for those who want a full slot (which will probably be a bit less in reality as last time there was a bit of chit-chat in between people playing)

I'll order tea/coffee/biscuits for the session as well if it's all settled

I am happy with that.

ET

Me too!

Cool, I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing you play, missy!

Oh no, I just looked at your profile picture, and thought it was the troll from Merlin! are you a changeling by any chance? lol

What do you mean? This is my best picture!!!

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Me too!
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Oh no, I just looked at your profile picture, and thought it was the troll from Merlin! are you a changeling by any chance? lol
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What do you mean? This is my best picture!!!
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Well I needed cheering up! lol

Have a lovely time all.

Sounds good Sol. Are we up to the 12 yet?

Yep... see page 1 attendance list!

If anyone has to drop out we can have standbys maybe... but hopefully everyone will be fit and well on the day!

Just to confirm - I'm definetly in (just got clearance from the MD). Unfortunately I can't make the food/drinks afterwards as I'll need to get back to the kids.

Looking forward to it.

Cool : a couple of people there I haven't met too!

They won't know what's hit them!

Very true!

Hee hee, I have a feeling that I have met someone that is going that you haven't met! lol

I hope you all have fun - would loved to have come!

ooo...there's I think three on Sol's list I haven't met (OctaviaPiano, PianissiMole, davidmackay)...

Ah then, there you go, I have the advantage on you as I have met OctaviaPiano, looking forward to meeting you again OctaviaPiano. But then on the other foot I have still to meet quite a few other new faces that you have already met. lol

ET

I think I've met only half of the people on the list!

Not staying for the drink/meal afterwards, I'm afraid, as I have to be somewhere else at 4pm

Can anyone who's planning to come to the pub/have food afterwards let me know of any dietary requirements, if I don't know already (eg eldatom). Thanks!

Yes, I have met you, ET. Last time I saw you, we were both prancing around the barn at Pro Corda in Suffolk. I hope there won't be any of that at Waterloo!

Anne

That won't happen. The venue isn't a barn for this event

Don't know its a good point, in between playing we can do a few stretches for posture lol

Hmm but who is going to bring the pilates balls, they are a bit big to have on a train lol

We've made the decision to cancel the competing do, so I will be there!

Great! It'll be good to meet you and hear you play, Moley!

It'll be great to see you for the first time!

Don't get your hopes up too much!

I have decided : the piano is hard, and it messes with my brain...

LOL what have you been trying to play?

You should see what I've been trying this morning... More accidentals than an incontinence ward

Oh dear.

Looking forward to seeing (and hearing!) you again, Moley!

I'm really looking forward to this

So it looks like we have 13 people (I think Mini Mo will be bringing her other half, but he won't be likely to be playing).

I'll arrange catering this week

Ah, Other half cannot come now as it clashes with Roller Hockey Club Xmas do (AKA boys night out drinking). Where are his priorities?! So it'll just be me.

Yikes - 13! Not a good number!!

I am practising like mad here, Beethovens Sonatina in F Major - doing well (including Rondo) just need to try and pick up speed a bit more.

Mozart - not sure if that will be ready - but coming along well. Managed to get the trill moving and keeping with the quavers for whole bar - just need to make it lighter and smoother - sounds rather jaggered and jumpy at the moment. I have never had to do a trill for a whole bar before so it has been really hard making the brain working the left hand, but I think I am getting there.

ET

Take care Basil, Moley looks and behaves perfectly normally...................... at first.

12 now

Don't stress out with the practice, just do the best you can on the day I won't have the stress of exams by then so hopefully I can manage my pieces ok

Can't see myself getting the two "beasts" I'm working on anywhere near finished so it'll be stuff I know well and am confident with The Schubert might be barely listenable by then, I'll see... those runs in 3rds and the crossover just don't agree with my hands.

Don't worry Sol, there is no stress involved in the practise, I am loving every minute of it. It would however be nice if they were up to scratch to play, I need them to be better than better to account for nerves.

Had a great piano lesson last night and my teacher was really pleased with the Beethoven and Mozart. She spotted the Einaudi Nightbook and said that she was really pleased that Ihad bought that as she thought it was lovely.

Have you tired the Crane Dance yet? I think it is really lovely.

ET

I did have a quick go through that.. it's nice.

For some reason I have a complete mental block on Tu Sei and can't work it out at all... Annoying as that's one I want to learn. I'll wait until my lesson so my teacher can save my sanity - that or I'll scan it in and load it into Sibelius. I know how both hands add up but it's just not computing in my brain for some reason... I feel stupid.

Tea/Coffee/etc sorted now

Great, I can't wait!

I have 2 weeks off now in which to polish up my exam pieces and also anything I want to play on the 5th

sbhoa has furnished me with a duet book : thanks sbhoa

Anyone up for a duet or two?

Depends whether they are slow and easy, and you have to count out loud so that we are counting at the same speed, lol

I think you'd be ok eldatom.
If you've not done an 'accompaniment' part before these could be a nice gentle starting point.

Happy to play duets (I'm quite good at following flexible rhythms )

Thanks Sbhoa, sounds good, so you can count me in then Barry so long as I don't use all my time doing my Beethoven sonatina, will time it and see how long it takes.

Really looking forward to another chance to meet up with old friends and new.

ET

Cool, I look forward to hearing the Sonatina. I'm going to have a proper go of that once this exam is out of the way!

Thanks both, I can let you have advance parts if you like