Posted by Andah1andah2 on Friday, January 8, 2010
My last lesson involved going over some scales and tunes I've been working on. We then worked on "bow setting or raising" where you quietly put you bow down on a string near the tip or the frog, then do your stroke and when done, lift the bow off the string quietly. All to gain more control over the bow and reduce strange sounds.
We then learned a basic version of Soldier's Joy to work on.
Well, I went to my first fiddle/old time jam yesterday.
It was a great experience in that the folks there were very friendly and supportive. I chose Redwing as my first tune and was able to keep up ok with the group. When it came around again, I chose Soldier's Joy and was embarrased when I couldn't keep up or play the tune I selected very well. It was all in good fun. I found that I have a great deal to learn as I was pretty much just listening and tape recording most tunes rather than playing. I did try to play along with many tunes. When I knew the key, I would lightly fiddle the notes of the key until I found a few notes that worked with the changing chords, but eventually would end up watching others play the tunes to pick up hints. I was glad that many of the tunes that were called are ones I've heard and have also seen them listed on common tunes lists. Angeline the Baker, Over the Waterfall, Waterbound, Liberty, etc. I have a list to practice from. They also did a buch of tunes from the Portland Collection (which most folks had) and I'll probably pick up a copy of vol.1. I'll definately be back for more. I'm glad there is a fiddle jam relatively close to me and they meet every week.
mudbug Says:
Friday, January 8, 2010 @12:40:18 PM
Congrats, Stew, on the good jam. I like that "quiet bow" thing. Man, you're really progressing fast. Good for you!
bj Says:
Friday, January 8, 2010 @1:30:40 PM
WOOHOO! Now you'll make some REAL progress! Nothing better to put you ahead than playing with others!
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