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Discussions => General Discussion => Topic started by: playandteach on March 24, 2020, 10:47:26 PM

Title: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: playandteach on March 24, 2020, 10:47:26 PM
I haven't been near my melodeons in the last 2 weeks or so. Is that something that others are noticing about themselves? Could be that I didn't engage with the TOTM early on, or that it is a repeat of me needing something different to do on it...I was tinkering with a one row, and also looking into 3 rows to play recorder music etc. (that's a pipe dream now of course)... but I wondered if there was something else going on.
I'm still working (from home), seeing a lot of my grown up kids. Getting out on my bike (very rural location, and all within the guidelines), but not playing.
I know Gena will jump to conclusions - I'm fine, and as happy as is reasonable under the circumstances. I have considered skype lessons with Paul Young, but would need to set up the basics.
I see that others are joining online sessions in some form or other.
Any other suggestions - Theme of the Week maybe?
Thanks for all those who comment on this forum - it's always good to see a full page of unread posts.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Grape Ape on March 24, 2020, 10:49:00 PM
To me, playing is an expression of joy and fun, even when playing something sad.  Not feeling it at the moment.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: deltasalmon on March 24, 2020, 10:50:17 PM
Haven't been playing the melodeon lately but it's only because a concertina managed to sneak into my household
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Tone Dumb Greg on March 24, 2020, 11:00:11 PM
... Could be that I didn't engage with the TOTM early on, I have considered skype lessons with Paul Young, but would need to set up the basics.

I see that others are joining online sessions in some form or other.

Funnily enough, I am finding the opposite. Stan's Reel didn't grab me at first, but it has now. I'm busy squashing it into shape for a new dance we are planning.

That's leading to on line collaborations, of which there will be more.

Loving having the time to do to it.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Dick Rees on March 24, 2020, 11:27:07 PM
Whether I pick up the box or no, I'm always listening...
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Gena Crisman on March 24, 2020, 11:46:47 PM
Actually, Pete, I've not really been feeling it, either.

Here's hoping for an upswing.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Pat McInnis on March 25, 2020, 01:04:21 AM
I'm with Greg on this one. Playing more box and a raft of new tin whistle tunes as well. I also work from home and the alternative is deep spring cleaning. I'll be in the shop if you need me.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Jesse Smith on March 25, 2020, 01:43:37 AM
My children's school closed on the 16th and I have been working from home since then (and my wife is home as well), and I no longer have any quiet periods alone to practice. I'm sure I could find a half hour in the evening or during my lunch break, but it's a bit awkward with everyone home. I should probably make the effort, though.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Randal Scott on March 25, 2020, 02:53:54 AM
I just logged on to start a thread on missing my boxes!  I rarely if ever lately play them at home, but I play out with them every week. I was an early adopter of isolation (former public health worker) and shutdown playing out well over a month ago.  Although my boxes are laying all around me, I literally hadn't picked one up until making myself do it yesterday.

*I've got two kids at home so ya there hasn't been as much time for practice.  And I just strung up an old wire harp, so not even my fiddle has seen much of me lately.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Joan Kureczka on March 25, 2020, 04:38:34 AM
Yeah, I've been playing. But not as much. And then beating myself up for not taking advantage of the time to play. But have been listening to a ton of stuff -- one of the benefits of this sequestered time is the wealth of concerts and other things on the internet. And Jesse has made me play so that we can post the "living room Sessions."
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: PukkaJ on March 25, 2020, 06:57:15 AM
I work for a large academic hospital and am currently working from home.
At the start of yesterday's digital team meeting with 12 odd colleagues my team manager jokingly suggested I'd start off the meeting with a tune, which I did (my instruments live within arms reach). I say jokingly, because the dutch name for melodeon, 'trekzak', has a funny but rather uncool en corny sound to it, reminiscence of clog dancing and the like I suppose, even though none of my colleagues actually know the instrument.

Anyway, I picked up my Lilly and banged out a tune, which went rather well. Everyone was pleasantly surprised and commented on how the tune and the sound of the instrument were so cheerful!

I find I'm actually playing more these days, though it's a challenge sometimes to find a quiet spot in the house where I'm not bothering the others...
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Dick Sadler on March 25, 2020, 07:25:31 AM
Well I’m not playing as of course my wife not allowed out that would give me practice time. Her last encouraging comment to me was “well I wouldn’t mind if you could play”!
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Grumpy on March 25, 2020, 07:27:52 AM
At least its not only me, the wonderful thing about Melnet is members can, to each other express their feelings. Yesterday I sat for over an hour with my Lilli on my lap, I had the erge to play but could not find the will, it was returned to its case unplayed.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: malcolmbebb on March 25, 2020, 08:07:22 AM
I have been finding, with all evening events cancelled and lots of free time to do stuff, that I am really struggling to engage and start doing anything. Yesterday I managed to go for an evening walk with the camera and watch an amazing sunset over Poole harbour, and that has given me a bit of a push.
Box-wise I have started one new tune but really do need to work through the Morris tunes and keep them fresh, because no matter how rusty the dancers are when we get back they will expect the musicians to be spot on.
I think it's the uncertainty that makes it hard - if you know how much time you have available you are more likely to plan it and do stuff.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on March 25, 2020, 08:17:41 AM
At the moment I think I'm on the up.
I'm starting to re-establish my normal morning practice and hopefully sort out evenings too soon.
We've just moved house and had periods of really hard work sorting out things, often getting going first thing rather than having a squeeze.
Now I need to ease up a bit and get playing.
I can't do any more in the garden, clearing out Leylandii as I have no tip open to get rid of the green waste so..... get playing!
Q
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Julian S on March 25, 2020, 08:22:05 AM
We all can differ in response to crises and it's not surprising some of us feel less like playing - so many other important concerns.
For me I'm still playing a lot (although I've got a lurgi - hopefully not the dreaded!).Joined some online tune fora, learning new tunes, messing around with the G/C - I'm learning some Leveret and Topette tunes on that rather than transposing for D/G. I've got quite a lot of ideas to make the best of things in lock down - mini concert with the wife (whose violin playing is improving markedly), where we perform for each other as well as work on duets which we haven't really done before. As weather gets better we can open the doors and entertain/annoy the neighbours.
I have huge concerns for everyone in a much worse situation (healthwise, financially,socially) and the long term effects are going to be profound I think. We are all going to have to support each other during this, and also look to the future.

All the best everyone

Julian
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on March 25, 2020, 08:31:58 AM
I think forum members here have a great advantage:
We all have a hobby.
Aspects our hobby doesn't involve anyone else.

My wife mentioned this yesterday, as she too has a hobby involving just her so we both can enjoy ourselves in the safety of our home.
We just have to accept that a lot of our lives have changed, so try and take the positive and enjoy our hobbies.
Q
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Tone Dumb Greg on March 25, 2020, 08:39:52 AM
Well I’m not playing as of course my wife not allowed out that would give me practice time. Her last encouraging comment to me was “well I wouldn’t mind if you could play”!

I feel for your pain. My wife is less understanding than your's, though. Her attitude is "I told you never to take up that horrible instrument in the first place".

Funny thing is, we both like marmite  ;D
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 25, 2020, 09:14:05 AM
I think forum members here have a great advantage:
We all have a hobby.
Aspects our hobby doesn't involve anyone else.

My wife mentioned this yesterday, as she too has a hobby involving just her so we both can enjoy ourselves in the safety of our home.
We just have to accept that a lot of our lives have changed, so try and take the positive and enjoy our hobbies.
Q

Spot on. We musicians are all very lucky in that respect.
I have several hobbies that don't need me to go out. I could spend many hours of the day doing enough cello practice to get back to the standard of playing I once enjoyed. I've started a web site upgrade I've been promising for years. Yesterday a concertina playing friend sent us a tune he'd written and I sent it back with a harmony part for him to play with his wife (another EC player) and we made a sound recording of it too. We plan to make lots of YT videos of songs and tunes (see thread I started elsewhere), and one or two home improvement projects have surfaced.
Admittedly I'm playing less than I thought I would, but I think that's because I've had other things to do. Like sitting in the garden in the sun, or going for walks...
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Graham Wood on March 25, 2020, 09:49:39 AM
I started on a B/C box at the beginning of the year. I got a 1 row in March. Tried learning them both together and found it difficult so pretty much given up at the moment. Trouble is, the longer the instruments stay in their boxes then the less inclined I will be to pick them up again. I must dig them out sometime. Too many other things going on right now.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: The Oul' Boy on March 25, 2020, 10:39:17 AM
When this coronavirus business started to get serious, my mood dropped considerably and I found I wasn't playing as much or as well. Now that I'm stuck at home and I've got over the initial dread of the whole situation, I've got into it again and it's flowing much better, indeed I played out in the garden yesterday for the first time ever (I've been playing for just over a year, and this is really the first time the weather has been good enough and my playing as been not too embarrassing!). Definitely a connection between happiness and melodeon playing for me.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Rick St. John on March 25, 2020, 10:51:31 AM
I work from home and I find that, with the massive drop in phone calls and emails this week, I'm picking up my box more often and making a start on my long list of tunes to learn
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Winston Smith on March 25, 2020, 10:55:29 AM
"Definitely a connection between happiness and melodeon playing for me."

Well said, that man!
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: baz parkes on March 25, 2020, 11:37:44 AM
I have mostly been trying to master the B part of St Anne's reel...that's involved a lot of putting down... :|glug
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Chris Rayner on March 25, 2020, 12:11:45 PM
In my bid to master the CBA in my seventies I’m doing an hour or so’s practice on that.  Currently stumbling through Plaisir d’ Amour.  In F with bass countermelodies etc.  Very testing.

On the melodeon I’m enjoying working out Nellie the Elephant and Teddybears’ Picnic.  Luckily we have a large house, so my darling wife can get away from the hesitations and fumbled notes.  Also germinating loads of vegetable seeds for the coming season.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Clawhammer on March 25, 2020, 01:16:53 PM
I can relate to the initial post-those two boxes of mine are just sitting over there mocking me and seem to be inquiring about their recent abandonment. 

My autonomic nervous system (i.e., more "survivalist-oriented"?) urges currently seem to be better met through non-musical activities.  Yesterday, my pulling out a lopper and bowsaw yesterday and having my way with some overgrown branches in the back acre really did it for me. I wonder if our playing music might open up our vulnerabilities during such uncertain times? Perhaps my inevitable return to boxes will feel more appropriate once we in Michigan have a better sense of how bad things will be getting here?                Best Wishes to all! 
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Mcgrooger on March 25, 2020, 03:43:15 PM
FWIW my playing is always sporadic - I've had some long lay offs - nigh on 20 years when I found guitar was fulfilling my musical needs.
I'm picking up a bit of a feeling here that P n' T and others are feeling guilty for not learning new genres of music, new types of boxes etc. and I'd suggest maybe re-engaging with what is your 'natural' genre of music on the box you've played your best stuff on in the past.
Although I had a go at St Anne's Reel on my one row, it would never be the box I'd pick up just for a bit of fun.  That would be my good old Hohner 2 row on which I'd probably bash out a couple of morris tunes or other English stuff.
I can definitely appreciate people not feeling inspired to play - I've had a slight undercurrent of anxiety since my son caught what felt like the last plane out of Europe back to Japan where he lives and we all react differently to crises. You'll play again if it's right for you or you might find other equally enjoyable hobbies or instruments - sackbut or crumhorn anyone?
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Tufty on March 25, 2020, 05:20:15 PM
If anything playing more than usual - fewer distractions taking me away from home! Working on a couple of things: Irish 1 row stuff and some modern French tunes eg La Burette mazurka. Also finally making progress on learning French in preparation for a trip this summer, or maybe next summer!
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: pbsalt on March 25, 2020, 06:35:58 PM
Same as Tufty - playing more -  but have just acquired a Hohner Merlin G/C box - and there is something about French Scottishes which makes me keep playing a tune for hours ( well minutes). Just discovered Scottish a Catineaux which has become a favourite - is Catineaux a place ? anyone know anything about the origin other tthan it is in Bal Folk/   and the original Massif Central pink or blue book.
Paul
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: playandteach on March 25, 2020, 07:21:02 PM
Feels good to know that many of us are in the same boat. Perhaps I need to build a routine. Trying hard to motivate students at a distance at the moment, which is hard for them as the year 11 and 13 (16 and 18 year olds) effectively abruptly finished their formal education without the celebrations and tests, so they feel at a thoroughly loose end. I'm trying to get them to consider any online learning courses, but am finding it hard to follow my own advice.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: MikeK on March 25, 2020, 08:26:11 PM
With all bowling cancelled,I thought I would leave the box alone for a while and concentrate on the garden. The other day a neighbour called out for me to play a few tunes while I sat out at the front of our house enjoying the sun.. Today I had my 3rd session. My neighbours really are real gluttons for punishment.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: playandteach on March 25, 2020, 09:00:46 PM
I'd forgotten about our local bowling clubs, but the weather has been miserable. I hope they can maintain the greens for when they can meet again. I wonder if they could practise two at a time on different rinks?
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 25, 2020, 09:07:07 PM
Just discovered Scottish a Catineaux which has become a favourite - is Catineaux a place ?

Collected by Jean Blanchard from Monsieur Catinaux - I have his Accordéon Diatonique album in which he says of this tune:
"La Scottish à Catinaux vient du Puy Lacaux, en Marche, où monsieur Catinaux, dans son auberge, joue de sa vielle, avec un style très vivant"
(The Scottish à Catinaux comes from Puy Lacaux, in Marche, where Mr. Catinaux, in his inn, plays his hurdy-gurdy, with a very lively style)

Note spelling of Catinaux, which I've just checked carefully... to my relief I found I have spelt it right on my YouTube rendition (https://youtu.be/nZwq9NVnP4M?t=91), but I probably checked my CD booklet at the time...
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Peadar on March 25, 2020, 09:57:26 PM
Motivation is low. Personally I just feel exhausted in between feeding sheep and trying to get online to access the intranet.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Peadar on March 25, 2020, 10:03:41 PM
With all bowling cancelled,I thought I would leave the box alone for a while and concentrate on the garden. The other day a neighbour called out for me to play a few tunes while I sat out at the front of our house enjoying the sun.. Today I had my 3rd session. My neighbours really are real gluttons for punishment.

You've got sunshine?

I might just try that....the neighbours are too far away for me to hear them shouting at me to stop.

And the novelty value of that three voice Pancotti hasn't worn off yet.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Squeaky Pete on March 26, 2020, 08:49:18 AM
I'm still practicing 4 or 5 times a week and steadily improving my consistency. I'm working on eliminating silly mistakes and trying out ridiculously complicated tunes that I might never ever play out.
Keith the fiddle player lives about ¼ mile away and although we can walk past each other's house and wave greetings we obviously can't sit down and play together.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 26, 2020, 08:55:47 AM
I'm still practicing 4 or 5 times a week and steadily improving my consistency. I'm working on eliminating silly mistakes and trying out ridiculously complicated tunes

That's pretty much my attitude too. Mind you, if my friends have been doing the same, it's going to be one hell of a session when we get back together   8)
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Little Eggy on March 26, 2020, 12:53:36 PM
It’s odd.  Thought I’d be playing a lot more but w
with a daughter on NHS front line, and relatives and friends in the highly vulnerable groups I’m finding it hard.   My wife’s on various sewing/arts forums and they are saying the same thing.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Julian S on March 26, 2020, 01:26:16 PM
I've been trying to think of suitable tunes to play in support of the NHS - I think Dr Finlays Casebook is a bit dated...

J
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 26, 2020, 01:43:22 PM
Suitable tunes...
The Perfect Cure (http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/38463) ?
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Julian S on March 26, 2020, 02:16:08 PM
Suitable tunes...
The Perfect Cure (http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/38463) ?

Definitely should be on T.O.T.M. list !

J
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: pbsalt on March 26, 2020, 05:03:39 PM


Collected by Jean Blanchard from Monsieur Catinaux - I have his Accordéon Diatonique album in which he says of this tune:
"La Scottish à Catinaux vient du Puy Lacaux, en Marche, où monsieur Catinaux, dans son auberge, joue de sa vielle, avec un style très vivant"
(The Scottish à Catinaux comes from Puy Lacaux, in Marche, where Mr. Catinaux, in his inn, plays his hurdy-gurdy, with a very lively style)


Thanks v much for that - and the correction of the spelling

Hope that Monsieur Catinaux ( or his descendants will be soon be playing his hurdy gurdy in his inn again
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: pbsalt on March 26, 2020, 05:08:16 PM
I've been trying to think of suitable tunes to play in support of the NHS - I think Dr Finlays Casebook is a bit dated...

J

For he's a Jolly Good Fellow - poor NHS staff having a good sleep and then …...
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Tone Dumb Greg on March 26, 2020, 05:38:13 PM
Other possibilities:

Staying Alive.
I Will Survive
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 26, 2020, 05:52:19 PM
Indirectly supporting the NHS...
Splendid Isolation (http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/89676)
And more directly...
The Doctor (http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/71372) (lots more "Doctor" tunes there...)
There's also St James'  Infirmary, Locke Hospital...

Well... you get the idea - just search www.folktunefinder.com for appropriate keywords. I've picked up some gems in the past that way.
Or http://abcnotation.com/search
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Tone Dumb Greg on March 26, 2020, 05:59:48 PM

The Doctor (http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/71372) (lots more "Doctor" tunes there...)

Di di di dum, di di di dum, woo hoo etc.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Jesse Smith on March 26, 2020, 06:02:53 PM
Sick and Very Bad (https://tunearch.org/wiki/Sick_and_Very_Bad), a somewhat queasy sounding slip jig.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Grape Ape on March 26, 2020, 07:19:58 PM
I’m going to try to do some playing tonight I think.  To be honest, I’m not feeling it or much of anything right now.  I want to force myself. I have friends that are now unemployed- not at all a good place to be in the good ol’ USA- and feel like I can’t complain that my job (selling wine) was deemed essential and how that actually makes me feel disposable. I am sad for my kid who’s 8th birthday is coming up.  She was asking about her party the other day and I had to tell her the truth.  It hasn’t been a good year for me anyway but this has certainly sent things further down the tubes.  I wish everyone health and suggest squeezing all the more for those of us not feeling it. Videos are always welcome as I still enjoy those and maybe one will inspire me.  I am just so worried for everyone- the restaurants I sell to that will never reopen, people that are sick or jobless- if I was a religious man I suppose I would be praying fervently- but instead I just worry. (See not all Americans have an empathy deficiency) I really hope everyone here stays safe. Though I have only met a few of you- I feel like I know you all just the same. Peace and break those bellows Melnet! You are the soundtracks to my life.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Gena Crisman on March 26, 2020, 07:22:00 PM
I feel you, Grape Ape.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Peadar on March 26, 2020, 07:58:45 PM
8 o'clock approaching. It is a beauiful calm evening looking down An Linne Sgitheanach. I am just going to take the box on the front step and play and remember all the health workers on the frontline.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on March 26, 2020, 08:05:24 PM
We clapped as did the neighbours around!
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Tufty on March 26, 2020, 08:09:02 PM
Just been for a quick clap from the bedroom window (to show support for NHS staff). Next a glass of wine and a tune  :|glug :||: Very strange times but I am fortunate - retired, secure pension, nice house and garden and a hobby that can be done alone indoors. Lots worse off. Hope you all keep well.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on March 26, 2020, 08:14:03 PM
Just waiting as in about 20 mins having a group call with our Morris people.
The equivalent of a post practice pint and chat.
Dunno if it'll work, fingers crossed!
Q
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Grape Ape on March 26, 2020, 08:32:51 PM
I feel you, Grape Ape.

Thanks Gena. And sorry to be a downer. Hopefully a few well earned beers and a squeeze tonight will set me right again.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Jesse Smith on March 26, 2020, 08:50:12 PM
Grape Ape, I know what you mean. I think I went through all five Kübler-Ross stages of grief in rapid randomly recurring order last week. I came out the other side with the intent to focus on the things I can control, and to try to let go of worry about the rest of it. I think for many of us, practicing an instrument and seeing improvement helps give us a sense of control over a little part of our world and so I'm sure it's a good thing.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 26, 2020, 10:18:14 PM
focus on the things I can control, and to try to let go of worry about the rest of it. I think for many of us, practicing an instrument and seeing improvement helps give us a sense of control over a little part of our world and so I'm sure it's a good thing.
Well said. My experience has been similar.
I have given up following most of the depressing parts of the news, and I have certainly found that the feeling of my life being distantly threatened has focused my mind on what's important, and doing what I can as well as I can.

Videos are always welcome as I still enjoy those and maybe one will inspire me.
...
Though I have only met a few of you- I feel like I know you all just the same. Peace and break those bellows Melnet! You are the soundtracks to my life.
I think we might have briefly met in Canada once.
I'm working on my videos, because I want to anyway, but thank you for the reassurance that it's worth doing, which it is if it brings a few moments of pleasure to others.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: RustyReedz on March 26, 2020, 11:04:12 PM
I’m not playing either. I live in an apartment building in NYC and I don’t want to disturb the neighbors who are all on “PAUSE” (self quarantine/social distancing). Also the mood is just different nowadays. Instead I’m using all this free time to restore a CBA I had lying around.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: playandteach on March 26, 2020, 11:08:51 PM
We clapped as did the neighbours around!
All of our street was out clapping. Heartening.
Grape Ape, I'm sorry for your daughter's birthday party. It's mine next week (2nd April), which is fine as I hate birthdays, but I didn't at 8. The first of my friends to become 'let go' happened this evening, and I worry too for my old friends in the Philharmonia Orchestra, as that is essentially self-employed. I have the bonus of having my kids home, and that's lovely. My son was trying to explain particle physics to my wife, and my daughter was making dance tick-tocks (for those of you without kids that age, it seems to be the latest way of uploading a brief, high energy video of whatever seems to be going around. I'm normally a glass half empty person - no, really? I hear you cry, but the better weather, the time with family and the ability still to get out on my bike (very rural here) has some settling aspects.
Perhaps you could recommend a decent bottle of wine for me? I like Tempranillo, but also Shiraz, and Cabernet and Grenache, not keen on Merlot, Pinot. Let me know, and we could share a bottle a continent apart (which means I get to drink the lot my end).
A few weeks ago my daughter got a confirmation that she hadn't got into the dance school she really wanted (it's ok, she's got into another good one in London), but I was actually in Leeds (city of Northern Dance School) when she found out. I kicked the building for her as I went past. It felt so good, even though I had to explain it to my colleagues.
Best of luck with the next few weeks.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Grape Ape on March 27, 2020, 01:31:02 PM
Thank you all for the kind words. I know we must all be feeling the same way to one extent or another.  P&T my wife teaches dance here in Ohio at the local University. They are desperately trying to figure out how to put the classes online- no easy task for dance.  Wine wise- I’ve always been a French kinda of guy- Rhones and Bordeauxs are my favorites- Burgundies as well but a bit expensive. I also love a good Napa Cab, but those are becoming increasingly expensive these days- and Oregon Pinots are up there for me too. But to be 100% honest- these days I drink mostly craft beers- it’s why my waistline has grown.... I feel a bit calmer knowing I have the next three days off and at home instead of in the front lines.  Oh and to Anahata- as much as I would like to meet one day that must have been someone else you met in Canada.  It seems strange that I am now not allowed in Canada. Perhaps it’s not strange but fitting. I don’t know. The world has changed too quickly in my lifetime.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Grumpy on March 27, 2020, 02:32:56 PM
Quote from an air stewardess on TV "Tough times past, tough people don't" says a lot
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 27, 2020, 05:34:08 PM
Anahata- as much as I would like to meet one day that must have been someone else you met in Canada.

Sorry - it was another melnetter certainly, and I can't remember who. tjsmithdog5 was there too...
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: playandteach on March 27, 2020, 06:17:40 PM
Quote from an air stewardess on TV "Tough times past, tough people don't" says a lot
My favourite stewardess quote was to a mischievous Mohammed Ali. She asked him to buckle up, and he said: Honey, Superman don't need no seat belt. She replied: Superman don't need no airplane. Buckle up.
Hope it's true.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: steveh on March 28, 2020, 08:55:49 AM
A friend of mine put the following on facebook recently. it could explain why we are all finding it difficult to keep motivated to play.  - On a book group page that I'm a member of, someone asked if people were finding it difficult to read. Almost everyone said they were. This was an interesting explanation from one of them:
"It is a trauma response. Your amygdala is stuck in fight or flight mode, and because it can do neither with this virus, it's putting you in "play dead" mode. It's a survival thing. It helps to preserve energy for when we can fight or flight.
The amygdala also pumps our bodies full of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in preparation for that fight or flight response, but again, because we're able to do neither, they're causing us to do some behaviours that are weird for the individual. They are the reason we feel restless and can't settle to anything, as well as feeling exhausted all the time."
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Anahata on March 28, 2020, 09:33:12 AM
That explains why I've mostly stopped watching political videos and listening to the news and current affairs discussions. It just makes me angry and depressed, in that order, and there's no doubt about the adrenalin being created and wasted.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Roger Howard on March 28, 2020, 11:41:21 AM
“Restless but can’t settle to anything” is pretty much how we feel. We’re managing to keep taking a bit of exercise, but my wife has hardly done any sewing lately, and I have only played the pipes in a desultory way, and the box even less. Time to find a project and a sense of direction.  :||:
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Corinto on March 28, 2020, 11:57:33 AM
"It is a trauma response. Your amygdala is stuck in fight or flight mode, and because it can do neither with this virus, it's putting you in "play dead" mode. It's a survival thing. It helps to preserve energy for when we can fight or flight.
The amygdala also pumps our bodies full of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in preparation for that fight or flight response, but again, because we're able to do neither, they're causing us to do some behaviours that are weird for the individual. They are the reason we feel restless and can't settle to anything, as well as feeling exhausted all the time."

At first I thought "now I have lots of time to practice and read" but most days practice wasn't working and then I just played some tunes I already know well, new stuff was complicated because it seems I can't concentrate as usual ... reading easy stuff works for about 10 minutes, then my mind wanders and I need to read the same paragraph over and over ... then lastly I was able to play better quite early in the morning, first thing, ... but then, on thursday a friend passed away, the first known coronavirus victim of my entourage, and now it's more stress again ... yes, he was a heavy smoker for years and not too healthy, but still, at 76, it's a hard blow ... we couldn't say goodbye ... and now he's being kept cold somewhere because a lack of coffins here in Madrid ...

As a student, about 50-55 years ago, I was very involved with politics, ... then something happened, or little group was betrayed and we finished in jail ... the betrayer started an important political career that evening ...

Serious politicians? Maybe a few of them, but it's so complicated to find out ... ymmv ...
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Little Eggy on March 28, 2020, 02:51:29 PM
Corinto.  What can I say?   My thoughts are with you and all your family and friends.  Some things are much more important than melodeons.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Québécois on March 28, 2020, 04:13:22 PM
Au contraire: this is the perfect time to learn new tunes, new techniques, go through our set lists, etc.
More time at home = more time to practice  :||:  :|||:  :|glug
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Thrupenny Bit on March 28, 2020, 04:43:39 PM
I was going to post this morning but deleted it:
This is all about what is happening in your mind.
Having recently read 'The Inner Game of Music' I learnt a lot about me, why I sometimes flip out of a tune when it was going so well, and why sometimes nothing seems to go well.
We all have two opposing things in our heads, the deeper musical self which is probably what we tap into on those occasions when we are playing really really well.
The other times there's this little conversation going on and that distracts us.
'Oh this is going well...'
'Watch out for the tricky bit...'
'I must be a melodeon God.....oops. B*gger what happened there?...'

If you are really concerned about the situation, a loved one, elderly parent etc. then if your mind keeps flipping to those thoughts it is difficult to zone out and practice properly.
I suspect this is what is happening to a lot of people.

Just after finishing the book we embarked on the final throes of moving house after a stressful wait to finalise exchange of contracts and setting a moving date. At times my mind was so pre-occupied with that I barely touched my box. I didn't have the space in my head to play, the little voice was asking me what I'd packed, where it would go, had I finished packing a room etc.

Yes it is an ideal time, with self isolating and keeping one's self to one's self to get some good practice in...... but only if you can mentally switch off to allow you to concentrate on playing.
Q
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: baz parkes on March 28, 2020, 07:02:46 PM
Corinto.  What can I say?   My thoughts are with you and all your family and friends.  Some things are much more important than melodeons.

Very true...sympathy from here also
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Grape Ape on March 28, 2020, 09:45:31 PM
Corinto it sounds like there is so much to the story of you as a student. My thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Corinto on March 29, 2020, 09:42:53 AM
Thanks to all.
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: mudchutney on March 31, 2020, 01:36:30 PM
My thoughts also with you Corinto, I can perhaps appreciate in a small way what you're feeling because I also lost a friend very recently - not to Corona, but was also unable to bid him farewell.  We have resolved to hold a big session and celebration of his life once this is all over, and that gives us something at least to look forward to. 
Title: Re: Anyone else not picking up their box at the moment?
Post by: Andrew Kennedy on April 03, 2020, 04:37:52 PM
I'm still playing, but it occurred to me this week that with all the cancellations I've finally got an opportunity to send my favoured Morris melodeon away for an overhaul without having to do without it at any bookings. It went in the post to Mike R today. A small silver lining, but it's something.
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