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| “You don't have to sweat blood to practice well” Have you ever heard an acquaintance mention that they never completed their music lessons because he or she either lost interest, or it was boring, or it was soon engulfed by other interests? I suspect this sentiment is universal. Robert Dumm who was a master teacher and composer/ author shares his thoughts In Sheet Music Magazine about the student's relationship with his piano. Don't try to be perfect, he says, just start with playing and continue on. Take possession of the piano as a “touchy” guitar or side kick while you begin to “colour its tones”, shaping them like a “potter and his wheel”. Dumm can imagine the keys as the piano's “skin” responding to the movement of the finger tips. By letting the piano become an extension of our own body just as an amputee becomes used to his artificial leg we are not thinking of being "at" the piano. In the same way Dumm stresses that practicing can be thought of as an experiment to bring out the best of what is there rather than just reproducing music. We know that what comes out of playing a piece can never be duplicated in the same way so Dumm points out there is no right way to play a piece of music. Part of getting close to the composer is accomplished by focusing on interesting parts, letting some of the author's implied melodies emerge, and relaxing in silence while hearing the music in ones head. Dumm emphasizes that you, the player, are the prime instrument of this creation. We can let the music fill us with its rhythm and breathe life into it. Dumm claims that with this perspective, practicing can never be that dull or difficult now that we've transformed “duty into an attraction”? From “Under the Spell of Practice” by Robert Dumm, Sheet Music Magazine Aug/Sep 1986
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dreamstime.com |
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Free admission for all. Come enjoy your day! St Catharines Healthy Cities Committee and CAW Retirees Chapter Local 199 are volunteer organizations that have sponsored the annual Seniors Day held at the CAW Hall at 124 Bunting Road since 1996. Combined, these organizations are committed to improving the quality of life of our seniors by promoting action, cooperation and awareness. On May 30th doors will open at 10 am until 3 pm and just like previous years this will be a busy time. Held on the last Monday in May, St. Catharines Transit will offer free transportation for seniors to and from the hall and anywhere in the city. Seniors' Day exhibitors provide information about their products and services to folks living in the Niagara region. This is a special day for and about seniors. You'll find real proof of this as you travel around the large open area which will feature 100 exhibits attended by professionals offering information and advice. You might be surprised to find your special interest represented here. Explore, ask questions, and learn. Don't forget to pick up your tickets for the door prize. Free admission for all. Come, enjoy your day! P.S. Look for my table near the stage. |
submitted by Irene Bray - St. Catharines Healthy Cities |
Summer HolidaysIf you're a nature lover you'll remember the nights Lots of folks like to go on excursions during the summer months so if you're planning on getting away to a location somewhere in your region you will want to prepare wisely in order to get the maximum enjoyment from your time and investment. A few years ago we visited an Ontario Parks camping ground on Lake Erie. Ontario Parks charges a reasonable fee to rent a spot to park your car or RV and set up a tent. Some of these sites have lots of trees offering some privacy. Others have more open grassy areas. Some spots come with electrical hook-ups for little extra money. It's usually best to reserve your preferred location from an online parks site a few months prior to your trip. The parks are supervised with their office and tuck shop on the grounds and many walking trails lead to various locations. We picked a day in early August to camp and the weather was great. We found that campers were respectful of our territory in regards to property and noise but to be safe it's best to keep valuables locked up. On that note, we ran into some embarrassment after my wife locked the keys in the Buick and we had to notify the office. CAA arrived in the morning and they came right to our camping spot. Walking, exploring and bathing in the sun and water were most relaxing diversions and if you're a nature lover you'll remember the nights. If I recall, our total costs for the three days was under $200. Thank you for your comments. I am always pleased to respond to your emails. |
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
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Music & Reminiscence |
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