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BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences?
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mooh Date: 13 Mar 00 - 07:06 PM Oh I'd like to be smart and say it was with a certain girl and Whole Lotta Love, but that would be rude. Oops, I said it anyway. How about trapped by a downpour in the instrument lock-up trailer at the Goderich Celtic Festival with Simon Mayor, Hilary James, the group Artisan, Eileen McGann and David K, and some others including staff. SONG! My God Almighty! SONG! When it was over I thought I'd been slipped some kinda drug. There was cake for someone's birthday too. If I had a tape of that shortest of half hours I'd be the richest man alive. I'll keep going back for more, so should you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 13 Mar 00 - 06:06 PM AHHHH-OOOHHH |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: rainbow Date: 12 Mar 00 - 09:22 PM gee... usually its the kids i've taught... listening to them... that was sooo wonderful. having some young women choreograph a dance to a song i wrote... having a whole choir of kids sing holding candles... a program i had helped them put together in a chico montessori school.... the whole procession and chant and the harmonies of the children was fabulous... having the wind play my harp out in the garden.... and playing a festival right before pete seeger -- and having his kind words about our performance... and then the magic of his performance... and the power going out... and my friend who was doing sound walking forlorn through the crowd singing, "where has all the power gone...." ... and then pete getting the whole audience to sing... continuing his show with no sound until it was finished.... having an old man from scotland in tears commending us on a song, "hind horn" --we couldn't find a melody for it... so made one up... and this man cried and told us it reminded him of the olde days.. we wanted him to let us know how it was sung in his memory.. and he said, just like you sang it! magic... music... magic... music... ... lorraine
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Lor Date: 12 Mar 00 - 03:23 PM I feel compelled to add my 2 cents here, though I'm no musician, it felt like a "peak" musical experience to me. A couple years ago I went to the Winfield Bluegrass/Folk Festival in KS... and was totally captivated by a guy, Dave, a mandolin player. I only saw him jammin' with friends, but he was so into his music, so involved w/his instrument and with the other folks who were playing with him (he was the "leader"), that I couldn't help but stop and spend time listening to him -- guess I should also mention that he's gorgeous. This was really one of my first experiences with Irish folk music & Bluegrass music... I don't know where I'd been, but I felt like I'd come home!!! The whole Winfield experience was such a great one for me that I went back last September (and hopefully will go back many Septembers in the future). Just wish it was closer to NJ!!! Cheers, ~Lor. PS: I want to be Dave's mandolin in my next life. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 12 Mar 00 - 04:24 AM Amen! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Joe Offer Date: 12 Mar 00 - 03:54 AM A couple of times on Martin Luther King Day, we've gathered the choirs from six or seven of the churches in our area of Sacramento. We don't have to practice very hard because the songs are usually standards like "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "We've Come This Far By Faith," and the results are always wonderful. The black Baptist church provides the preacher, and the sermon is always outstanding. One year, a young man recited King's "I Have a Dream" sermon, and you would have sworn Dr. King himself was there. AMEN!!!! -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: BlueSage Date: 12 Mar 00 - 03:39 AM After twenty years of performing you'd think that my peak musical experience would revolve around a stage performance. But as I think back over all the wonderful performers I've shared the stage with, all the great experiences I've had, I realize that my favorite musical memory was a winter evening spent home alone with my guitar! I had the lights out and the curtains open. Something about playing christmas songs (for myself) while I watched the snowflakes slowly drift down through the night air.... it was magic. I played until dawn. The private moments, for me, are the best! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Liz the Squeak Date: 11 Mar 00 - 03:59 PM Outsinging Ian Bruce, at the Middle Bar, Sidmouth..... We were doing 'Easy and Free', and you know the bit where it goes "drinking with meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" and I outsung him by a good minute and a half, an octave and a half above him........... Ahhhh! bliss!! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 10 Mar 00 - 09:05 PM Hope whispers softly to me that we shall be free and find peace... lovely |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 10 Mar 00 - 02:51 PM How about three examples.. I sang a duet version of Melanie Safka's song Save The Night with a lovely girl called Jane. At the end of the song there were many wet eyes and gulity looks on some faces in the audience. On another occasion I was singing the Prisoners Chorus to Beethovens Fidelio, just at the same time news came in of the release of some hostages. I can recall feeling exactly what Beethoven was trying to put into music and words, the emotion of prisoners given some freedom. Translated from German to English ..Oh Welche Lust. Gefangenenenchor (Fidelio) Prisoners Chorus
Oh what pleasure to breathe |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mbo Date: 09 Mar 00 - 11:30 PM Garg-- YES!!! That one was really funny! I mean it! --Mbo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: GUEST,_gargoyle Date: 09 Mar 00 - 11:28 PM Fifth Grade...
.............Winter Concert............
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>barfed all over the first chair violin.... BEFORE the performance.
It was a bad year for the flu |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 09 Mar 00 - 07:09 PM Sorcha-- YES!!!!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: GUEST Date: 09 Mar 00 - 07:00 PM ...how 'bout a photo of lafKat and Sorcha, together side by side in the same room? ...shouldn't be an issue since you are both neighbors... ...inquiring minds REALLY want to know...right PHOAKS? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Osmium Date: 09 Mar 00 - 06:52 PM Well probably the occasion when I led 30 odd people, definately not musicians, in an african boat song and managed to get them not to strain their voices but to sing. The night just went on and on and I know from the reaponse the day after that it was a night many of then would never forget. The power of the human voice when it's not under strain and played in unison may yet be the richest of instruments - and every one can do it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Sorcha Date: 09 Mar 00 - 06:35 PM I just have to tell you about my afternoon. I went out to a one room (actually 2) school house in the Nebraska Sandhills. There are 19 students,K-grade 7; most live on ranches WAY out in the boondocks, and school is their only social life. Town maybe once a month. I took the fiddle, viola, dulcimer,mandolin, harp and sporano bouzuki. I introduced the instruments, and played a little on each one, then we turned the kids loose for touchie-feelie time! WOW! We had 4 adults,6 instruments and 19 excited kids. Most of these kids have never seen a "live" instrument in their lives, just TV ones. A few do have pianos at home, but not much else. It was Joyful CHAOS! We all had a blast. They are all so careful and the look of joy on their faces when they can play a tune on the harp is just incredible. I will have goosebumps for days over this one. I know that someday something will get broken, but everything is fixable (except maybe bows) and the joy the kids get is worth every penny of a possible repair bill.YYEEEHHHAAA! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Ferrara Date: 09 Mar 00 - 08:36 AM Bill D told me I owe it to myself to read this thread, and he's right. Haven't finished it yet, have to be at an appointment shortly. But still wiping the tears from my eyes (of laughter, and just emotion) after reading some of the posts. Especially your post, poet.... Dick, if we ever have a Mudcat book, don't forget this thread!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: rangeroger Date: 09 Mar 00 - 02:49 AM Praise: Don't you guys ever sleep? It's just going on midnite here. Good night. rr Unless I find another thread or post to keep my attention. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 09 Mar 00 - 02:36 AM Mbo-- KEEP TALKING. The posts here and on Education thread have been EXCELLENT. Don't stop. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mbo Date: 09 Mar 00 - 12:41 AM Yikes! Now see why I want a Dixieland Jazz Band to play "Oh Didn't He Ramble?" at my funeral? --Mbo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mbo Date: 09 Mar 00 - 12:40 AM Thanks for all the support guys! After so much moving and all, tonight was the first time I've been to church in 6 years. I'm not sure if I'm using the right word to describe it, but it was lots of fun. We have always carried on our religious practices at home, but now my sister and I are going to the Catholic student organization, and we get to go Mass. Back to the topic, one of the first things we did as the Mass started was sing a song called "Lift High The Cross". I had to sight read it out of the missal...turns out I'm not so bad at sightsinging after all. Boy was singing that a peak music experience! A gorgeous song...and singig with all the others! Boy, I'm glad I finally get to experience this! That was my musical peak for today! --Mbo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: GUEST,Seamus Kennedy Date: 09 Mar 00 - 12:11 AM Go for it, Mbo, it's never too late. Incidentally, when the Pope handed my son back to me, he looked me in the eye, and I said, "Mille grazie, Santitá." (A thousand thanks, Holiness.) Afterwards, when we were all talking about the experience, Paddy Reilly said, "Only an Irishman would say thank you in Italian to a Polish Pope. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Bill D Date: 08 Mar 00 - 09:31 PM ....somehow, I think this Pope might even know some songs...strikes me as the type.. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mbo Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:55 PM Thanks! I wish The Pope would come too! That would make my day...no, life! --Mbo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:46 PM Mbo, [thread creeping..] [hey I started this thread, deal with it!] When this event occurs, think of a young man SO like yourself, my stepson. This happened when Mike was about 2. I wasn't part of the family then, but I have heard this story many times, and it's never old. In our denomination, kids receive when they are able to form the intention to receive what they are able to understand as a sacrament. Usually about 3 - 5 years old, or even later. Well, Mike would always come to the altar rail with everyone else, and receive a blessing, as is the custom, instead of the Sacrament. The story goes that this one Sunday, as his dad (the priest) blessed and then turned to pass on to the next communicant, up piped this thin but VERY LOUD protest, "But I NEED the Body of Christ!!" His time had come, and he received his first communion immediately with smiles all around. You go for it like that, dear friend. I wish we could be there. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mbo Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:36 PM WOW! You got to shake hands with the Pope? Wow! I'm planning on making my First Holy Communion here in a few months. I know 21 is a funny age to be doing it, but I WANT to do it! Pax Vobiscum! --Mbo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:29 PM !!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Sorcha Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:23 PM Oh WOW Seamus, what an experience for you! I'm not Catholic or Christian, but I understand what this must mean for you! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: GUEST,Seamus Kennedy Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:17 PM In 1979, Paddy Reilly, the Celtic Folk and myself were asked to perform for the Pope in Trinity College in Washington D.C. We were singing Lord of the Dance when the Pope came walking through the crowd. My wife was holding our son who was 10 months old at the time. As the Pope neared us, I took my guitar off and handed my son to the Pope who kissed him and handed him back to me. Well, my wife and I just fell apart, crying, dancing and hugging our son tightly, till Paddy Reilly who had just shaken hands with the Pope said," Right lads, back to work!" |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mbo Date: 08 Mar 00 - 08:16 PM Well corblimey! It was SO memorable I plumb forgot it. My community college was having a Karoake contest. I summed up the courage to sing in public...and looking through the songbook, found "Can't Get It Out Of My Head" by ELO. I was SOOO excited! I stepped up to the mike...I was sculpting with alabaster that day, and I was covered in alabaster dust...then that oh-so-familiar piano and strings started up...My cue came, I opened my mouth "Midnight--on the water.." All of a sudden, all fear fell away. I wasn't nervous Mbo anymore, I was Jeff Lynne on the stage at the Winterland in '77! Oh it was gorgeous! Wow....I didn't care if the stupid kids my age were yawning and looking bored...I was the king for 4 minutes and 21 seconds! --Mbo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Froodo Date: 08 Mar 00 - 07:51 PM Being new to the whole world of open mics, my highlight was my first time performing solo. I've played with several rock n' roll bands over the years and have had many highs and lows. But, I recently parted company with my electric guitar for a 100% acoustic based approach to music...which means no more band for a while. So I learned some tunes, wrote some tunes and headed up to Marin for a bitchin' open mic. My very first one. I was quite nervous when it was my time to get on stage. But, I nailed the first number, then nailed the second one too. But the hightlight for me wasn't my performance. It was knowing that people did in fact like what I did. One of the players that night, who I've seen play before and really admire, approached me and we talked music and exchanged ideas and so on. Another lady asked me to join her band. So on and so forth. The kindness of the folks that night got me so pumped up. I was happy to be respected by musicians that I respected. And I'll take that any day over stressing about whether or not our audience purchased enought drinks at the bar during our set. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Mar 00 - 07:34 PM There are no duplicate human experiences-- post on, friends, post on. Do you try to tell these to friends and they don't get it unless they're folkie folk too? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Dan Evergreen Date: 08 Mar 00 - 07:26 PM On the Edisto River around a campfire with canoes pulled up on the shore and the firelight reflecting on the tents, with a guitar and a banjo and lots of singers trying to drown out the cicadas, singing anything and everything, and my worn-out little girl snoring in the tent. Thanks for asking. I had temporarily forgotten. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Timehiker Date: 08 Mar 00 - 06:58 PM Several years ago I attended a "westerntreff", a meeting of western hobbyists, in Germany. I think my wife and I were the only Americans there. The camp was full of folks dressed as cowboys, Indians, Civil War soldiers, fur trappers and what have you. On Saturday evening, just after supper, it began pouring rain, and the one large picnic shelter on site was crammed full with these folks. I took my guitar and sat at a table with a few people I knew and we'd talk a while, then sing a song, then talk some more. Everyone at the other tables seemed to be involved in their own conversations, and no one seemed to be paying particular attention to us. During a lull in our own conversation, I started "Mull of Kintyre" and before long, it seemed everyone in camp was singing along on the chorus. I know this is similar to the spontaneous participation other folks have mentioned in this thread, but there's nothing I've experienced quite like it. This was the first time that had ever happened to me and most of the people singing couldn't speak or understand english very well, but they could sure sing that song! Take care, Timehiker |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Bill D Date: 08 Mar 00 - 12:12 PM I have posted this before,,,but for sheer poignancy, nothing beats having heard "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" played on one of Mother Maybelle's autoharps 2 days after her death was announced...whole room full of folkies singing along...not a dry eye in the place |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Mar 00 - 12:24 AM rr, I had granted you were at least TRYING to make sense! *BG* |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: rangeroger Date: 08 Mar 00 - 12:16 AM I just went back and read my post.I seem to have lost a large section of it. Mainly about a guitar being passed ala song circle. When I got the guitar I sang John Prine's "Paradise". Now back to my previous post which is still in progress. rr |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Mar 00 - 12:08 AM Ah, the lives we lead, and yet we still appear normal as we go about in the world. I could be next to any of you in line at the market and not suspect these memories live in you. Think about that next time you're at the market, all the stories you are surrounded by..... Of course some of you would be instantly outed as folkies, f'rinstance any who travel ocarina-prepared. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: rangeroger Date: 08 Mar 00 - 12:02 AM Sorry about the double post. Went to correct a spelling error and goofed.However now that I look at the error,it was probably Freudian in nature and meant to be. rr |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: rangeroger Date: 07 Mar 00 - 11:34 PM Spaw: Read your Clingman's Dome story and loved it. Several years ago my ladyfriend at the time was at a primate conference at Emory University in Atlanta.I flew out from San Diego to go backpacking with her on the Appalachian Trail. A gal she had met at the conference who lived in Atlanta decided she wanted to go with us. The three of us loaded up (in more ways than one) in her MGB and drove to Clingman's Dome parking lot.Left the MGB there for a week while we traipsed about in the forest. Our last night on the trail brought us back to the closest campsite to the Dome, about a 3-4 mile hike away.Well there were about 15-20 people there.Weekenders from Atlanta or therabouts. rr |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Barky Date: 07 Mar 00 - 11:01 PM I have a couple, actually. First: My first gig with this blues/jazz band I helped create. We had the parents and some friends over at this wonderful music based house, and we played some good songs, really well, such as Sing Sing Sing, and Cleveland Rocks, and Girl From Ipanemananamdenda. (I think you know what I mean, I just don't know how to spell/pronounce it!) That was really fun, especially since I had solos on each one! Gosh... the memories.
Second: hasn't happened yet. But for future reference, said group above (San Diego Brass and Electric) are going to a selective jazz competition up in Fullerton next month. lotsa fun.
THird: But not least. OOOOH not least. This doesn't really involve me directly. Kinda. Well.... ANYWAY! I went to this concert up in LA. It was incredible. It was based on Moby Dick, and the woman staging the whole art thing was a singer/pianist/violinist. I have been obsessed/in love with her ever since. Can you guess who she is? No? Mon dieux, it's Laurie Anderson. If you don't know who she is, I recommend you find out. Oh My God. ~Barky |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Mbo Date: 07 Mar 00 - 11:00 PM I guess it would have to be when I performed in Raleigh--it was one of only 3 performances I ever did. I played for the President and administrators of The North Carolina Community College Board, as well as well-respected artists/art teachers from all over North Carolina. I got to play my OWN song, "MacGregor's Gathering", a real footstomper, or so my composition teacher said. It was kinda fun knowing that other people were hearing my music...but really most of the listeners where seniors who perked up when my friends did their opera/operetta/art songs, and ignored me altogether. Not a happy day for others as well...it was the day of the Columbine High shooting. Not a nice thing to come home to, after visiting another part of the state for only the 3rd time in 20 years. --Mbo |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Sorcha Date: 07 Mar 00 - 10:51 PM Just had one. Once a month my band plays at the local Nursing Home. Talk about a captive audience! Anyway sometimes they're all zoned out, but tonite was one of the wild ones. Most of them were dancing, several residents and staff members were doing wheelchair Roller Derby, WOW it was just a great nite, and the residents are so appreciative. We played a real gamut of stuff: Gal I left Behind, Angeline, Just Because, Angry, Wreck of th e Old 97, Danny boy, Irish Eyes, gadzooks. Some other favorite moments: The first time I heard Christmas in the Trenches it was live, by John the Man in Winfield at midnight........When I got to hear Eugene O'Donnell play Celtic Lament live, in Scottsbluff, NE, no less. 1,000 people singing and signing Great Sorm is Over with John McCutcheon and Linda Tilton on the Winfield Main stage.......... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Bill D Date: 07 Mar 00 - 09:06 PM well, as a TOTALLY amateur autoharp player, I don't do a lot of stage stuff..but at an open sing here a few years ago, (just local folk)..in walks Tom Paley..(he was in town for a concert and just 'dropped by')...so when my turn came, I did "The Storms Are On the Ocean", and at a good spot for a break, just nodded in Tom's direction and he did a lovely fiddle break...WOW! Just like it is supposed to work!...made my day! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Caitrin Date: 07 Mar 00 - 08:51 PM My musical high point occurred at the New Years Eve service at a youth event in Hendersonville, NC. The event (Winterlight) is for high school students, and happens every year right after Christmas. The closing service before the dance on New Years Eve is always exciting and emotional. I was in the small choir for the service, singing with two fine musicians, Fran McKendree and Sam Hensley. On the last few songs, the entire congregation of 200 people were standing in the pews and singing at the top of their lungs (not a usual occurrence in Episcopal churches, for the most part). I don't know how good it sounded, but it was just about as much fun as I've ever had. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: GUEST,The Beanster Date: 07 Mar 00 - 07:57 PM What lovely stories, these are. Keep typing, keep typing...! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Jon Freeman Date: 07 Mar 00 - 05:16 PM You have got me tinking now Praise, another one that I have experiences has occured when I have been out late say during a festiva and you see someone crying or obviously upset. You sit dow a little distance from them and start playing gently. I am no great player but I have seen a few people cheered up that way - music can be magic... Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: catspaw49 Date: 07 Mar 00 - 05:12 PM We've had a number like this before Praise and they always draw some interesting stories from folks who missed the last one. I'm just a lazy SOB, so I use a blue clicky for my favorite. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: Jon Freeman Date: 07 Mar 00 - 05:10 PM Another one that is always a peak for me used to happen occasionaly when I went busking. A young kid could be walking down the street and spontaniously start to dance to the music and youd see the smile on their face... it was worth more to me than money in the hat when it happened. Graham, loved your story. Never been there but I can imagine the pleasure that must have been created. Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: Share Your Peak Musical Experiences? From: wysiwyg Date: 07 Mar 00 - 05:01 PM Ahhh.... even just skimming all of your posts is wonderful.... I love how so many of them are about the responses of the people, singing, dancing.... yes. Us too. We need to look at this more often, and linger. |