I have a boundary

 All right, those who know how I set boundaries can stop snickering! Not THAT kind of boundary….

I decided I had done enough practice on my doodle canvas and jumped into the next step of stitching the Elephant ear. The directions say, "Couch around ear." Couching always intimidates me. It’s combining thick thread with thin thread on top of and through the fabric or canvas. You must achieve the goldilocks of tension. You’d think that would be easy for an organist. We’re always adjusting our registration, articulation, and playing the specific instrument in the specific room. That’s why it’s so important for us to practice where we’ll be playing.

But I digress….

Time to set aside the practice mode and go all in. I think I succeeded in couching the outline of the ear. Now to fill it in with “brick stitch” (HUH?????) which isn’t explained enough in the text that came with the class. So……   

To the Internet and fire up the email account! I have questions…….. 

Still in Pivot mode

 Not so much myself, but all around me I’m seeing pivots due to COVID. There have been several last-minute substitutions for performers at the Festival. I received 2 requests for substituting for other groups. People are not as panicked and are more comfortable with hearing No’s to such requests. Don’t get me wrong, I still feel a huge pull to help and do so when I know it will not jeopardize my own health. And that is the key in my mind. We as a group must set reasonable goals and then keep our health in our work.

Enough of a soapbox.

I am enjoying what I’m seeing at the Festival. Lots of high-quality music. Some I would not seek out automatically, some I find I like better than I thought I would. Lots of excitement with the audition for the next Music Director concerts. Everything I missed the last two years.

Still more to come. I’ll be working on those hearts for the SAL when I can……

Still in trio mode

 I see all kinds of lace when I look at those trios I mentioned in the last post. There’s just not time to put my ideas into thread!

I’ve been attending Masterclasses as I have time. Yesterday I learned a new use for registration in music. For those who are curious about organ, registration is the task of choosing which stops to use while playing a piece. Normally this is done before beginning to play. Sometimes we change registration during a piece, but that’s usually planned in advance also. For vocalists, registration seems to be planned, but executed as you sing. Much like fingering for organists. Hmmmmm Can I use registration to explain tatting techniques? Hmmmmmm

If you sit in on the Masterclasses, I’ll be the one tatting off in the corner. I try to do so in a way that doesn’t distract the musicians. I’ll be finishing heart 3 of 4 for the Ukranian Stitch Along.

Trio strikes again

 Throughout my life as an organist, J. S. Bach has been present. Sometimes as a comfort that centers me in times of upset and trial, sometimes as a challenge to up my technique game. I don’t know how many of you have noticed, but it’s much more rewarding to play or sing Bach than to listen to Bach. (So, if you like listening to Bach, you MUST try your hand at creating his music yourself.)

Last night, I attended the Opening Concert of the 85^th Carmel Bach Festival. Programmed for the end of the concert was BWV 1068 Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major. The performance was exhilarating! During the Music and Ideas talk before the Tower Music selections, it was commented that one can hear a bit of Brandenburg in the music. I concur. I also heard snippets Bach used in his Trio Sonatas. I must dig out my scores and have a go this afternoon!

See you at the Center

Sunset Center that is….and Carmel Prez.  and All Saints….and the Mission.

I’m having so much fun this summer!!! Since travel is still quite risky for me, I’ve persuaded those who get a vote on my schedule to give me time at Masterclasses, workshops, concerts, panel discussions and more! I likely will not have any pictures to share. If you’re curious visit CarmelBachFestival.org