The non Rock'n'Roll bassist...

[zbd1960]

4 hours ago, bass_dinger said:

 

 

 

So, in less than three months, you have progressed from absolute beginner, to performance.  That is impressive, not just for you, but also for the brass band.  They clearly have a training and teaching route for new musicians. 

Just to set expectations.... the beginner parts are simple and I'll be involved in three pieces on the gig. And it's much harder than learning the sax, which I started in my early 50s 

[zbd1960]

Last night was my first concert with Keswick Choral Society. Main Christmas concert. Full house. Went well, no obvious disasters!

 

The biggest piece we did was by Cecilia McDowall: Christus Natus Est which is a working of various Medieval tunes including Personent Hodie, Entre le boeuf, Gaudete, etc. This is a contemporary work written in 2007. 

 

 

[zbd1960]

OK, this is about as non-rock'n'roll as you can get... I've been trying a new instrument of a type I have never played before. As you know, I play cello as my main instrument and I also play sax (mostly tenor and baritone). Well, I've never played a brass instrument...

 

I started looking because of my challenge in trying to find groups where I could play sax. After a certain amount of looking around and assorted e-mail trails, I landed at Kirkby Stephen's beginners' group with their brass band...

 

The culture of brass bands is interesting. They are very keen to recruit people of all ages from young children to much older people. They will lend you instruments. They have stocks of good quality - but older - instruments to lend. The provide free tuition. There is a strong focus on community.

 

So, I end up with a 1970s Boosey & Hawkes Imperial silver euphonium.

 

My recent Fridays has been a 6pm session with the beginners' group in a back rom whilst the 'training band' rehearses in the next room.

 

On Friday, the main band gave its community Christmas concert. The training band plus beginner me played three items as part of the concert.

 

I have the advantage of being able to read music and I've played in groups before. Just the slight matter of getting the right note out when you blow...

 

Someone caught me not doing much...

 

And yes, GAS attack, I've bought a second-hand Besson Sovereign (B&H were bought out). 

 

In case you're wondering - the range of a euphonium is similar to cello and baritone sax.