Dec
31
2011
As we prepare to celebrate the passing of one year and the arrival of another, I hope everyone in the PartTimeMusician (PTM) family can take a moment to reflect, anticipate, and smile at what we hope the future brings our way.
The past year brought challenges for all of us – you…you…you…and me as well. But somehow, we made it through. And the year ahead brings with it much promise. There will be time for scales and studies, exercises and etudes, practices and performances once the new year begins! For now, though, we here at PTM wish you a fun-filled, safe New Year’s Eve with this slightly-geeky ode to Star Wars and orchestral musicians. :-D
May your light sabers stay sharp and your pitches stay true,
Mark
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Dec
24
2011
Each year during the holiday season, most of us tend to reflect a bit on the year and count our blessings. This has always seemed to me to be a good thing, as it takes our focus off of the difficulties of the past 12 months and redirects our attention to those things, large or small, that have been the treasures that shone through.
It’s been a challenging year for many of us, but I’m thankful for so much…including a wonderful Part-Time Musician (PTM) family with which to share triumphs, setbacks, musical challenges, accomplishments – in short, all of the things that make life, well, life. :-)
When I was growing up, every major holiday throughout the year had a Peanuts(TM) special that played on TV the week before. I admired and respected Charles Schulz, and I still do – few people have given so much to the human race, and few people’s legacies will last as long as his. To his family, thank you; we miss him.
Below is one of my favorite “Peanuts moments”, where Linus answers Charlie Brown’s plea asking what Christmas is all about. I know I’m an old softie, but it never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Wishing you all peace and goodwill, and may you and yours have a very merry Christmas.
All the best,
Mark
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Tags: Charles Schulz, Charlie Brown, Christmas, Earth, Goodwill, Linus, meaning, musician, Peace, Peanuts, PTM | 
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Comments (0) Dec
14
2011
As we’ve discussed before, some musicians aren’t content to just make music; some like to make the things that make music, then use them to make the music! This affects musicians of all levels and in all walks of life. Don’t believe me? Find a professional oboist (or bassoonist) who doesn’t hand-craft their own reeds. :-)
Anyway, I ran across this great article from our friends at Instructables explaining how to make your own bongo cajon. If you’re a percussionist, especially one who plays la musica latina, you may already be familiar with the concept…but for non-percussionists, a bongo cajon is a cajon (“large box” in Spanish) that produces pitches like a bongo: high and low. This allows the percussionist to play bongo patterns on the cajon. It’s a rather clever instrument and looks like it would be relatively straightforward and fun to make.
Whether making or playing, keep the music coming!
Musically yours,
Mark
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Tags: bongo, build, cajon, craft, DIY, do it yourself, how to, Instructables, instrument, make |
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Comments (0) Dec
11
2011
Friend and fellow trumpeter John Kool shared this quote with me recently and I just had to pass it along. Applications abound in our daily work, family life, and musical endeavors.
“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
Henry Van Dyke
As with most true nuggets of wisdom, this inspires on so many levels. Whatever you do, by all means, give it your best…but it’s a rare thing indeed to be so good at something that no one else – on the entire planet – can do it better.
SO WHAT? Do it anyway!
It’s a liberating thing to know that you can do your best and stop worrying about the outcome. :-)
Keep playing,
Mark
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Dec
10
2011
Greetings fellow musical pilgrims! This humorous gem was passed to me by good friend and PTM contributor Steve Hamrick. Those of you who play trumpet (or perhaps sit in front of the trumpet section) will probably appreciate this most. :-)
Before anyone panics, no, it isn’t accurate: that’s not the note he’s hitting and your bell won’t actually do this as you continue to expand your range.
Mine just melts. Clean up is messy, but that’s the extent of it. ;-)
Keep playing (and your sense of humor!),
Mark
Other articles by Steve Hamrick:
Church Music Resources for Part-Time Musicians
Play trumpet AND horn? Good advice for doubling
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