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08 Jan 05 - 09:06 PM (#1374911) Subject: I DID IT!!!!! From: Hawker On the 13th December 2004 at the age of 43, I took my violin grade 1 exam after taking up the instrument 8 weeks before. I did it to keep my 10 year old daughter company whilst she practised and to learn to play the violin I inherited from my granfather. We both passed, naturally Amber got a higher mark than me, but she has been having lessons for considerably longer. Never let age be a barrier! Cheers, Lucy |
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08 Jan 05 - 09:06 PM (#1374913) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: s6k well done! |
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08 Jan 05 - 09:13 PM (#1374917) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Rapparee Good for you!! Age cannot wither...anyone who won't be withered! |
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08 Jan 05 - 09:30 PM (#1374921) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: mike_in_st_c Congrats! I to after 40 years of wanting to take guitar lessons, have begun the process at age 49. What can I say? It's never to late to work the grey cells. My hats off to you Hawker, well done indeed! Mike |
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08 Jan 05 - 09:39 PM (#1374927) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: freightdawg Congrats, me human friend...I wag my tail in enthusiastic applause to your great accomplishment. May your bow never grow slack nor your rosin grow stale. Freightdawg |
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08 Jan 05 - 11:23 PM (#1374937) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: hesperis Good for you! Only 8 weeks??? Whoa. |
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08 Jan 05 - 11:47 PM (#1374952) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: GUEST,.gargoyle Most child psycologists - would not chear (but rather booooooo) - on your new-year's ackomplisment - an adult fullfilling child's play (especially as a foe/advesary/mentor) is not healthy for the adult and particularly for the child. Sincerely, Garoryle |
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08 Jan 05 - 11:49 PM (#1374953) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Amos Garg: Yer nuts, too, man. A |
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08 Jan 05 - 11:50 PM (#1374955) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: GUEST Good for you Hawker. |
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09 Jan 05 - 12:04 AM (#1374967) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Pauline L Bravo! I'm a violin teacher, and a lot of my students are adult beginners. They all say that they're so glad that they're doing this. Have fun! |
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09 Jan 05 - 12:06 AM (#1374970) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Peace Hawker, that is wonderful. I hope you are very proud of yourself--as you have every right to be. |
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09 Jan 05 - 12:39 AM (#1374984) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Auggie That's really impressive Hawker. I wish I would have done that at 43. I might be at least half way good by now. Congrats |
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09 Jan 05 - 02:34 AM (#1375006) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Bert Way to go. Hey Amos, Has Garg GOT any nuts? ;-) Sorry Garg ol' buddy, I couldn't resist that one. |
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09 Jan 05 - 03:09 AM (#1375013) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Liz the Squeak Damn good job we don't have many professional psycologists here then (amateurs we have aplenty!). I learned to ride a motorbike (properly and legally this time round) a couple of years ago.. it was an amazing feeling, so I can fully appreciate your reaction. Good for you.. now go and do your practice! LTS |
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09 Jan 05 - 05:58 AM (#1375022) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: MBSLynne You can do anything you want to do. Well done! I've been thinking of learning an instrument properly, never having done so before...you've encouraged me. The only problem I have now is...what instrument? Love Lynne |
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09 Jan 05 - 06:10 AM (#1375025) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Sandra in Sydney congratulations I dips me lid to anyone who can play an instrument, especially someone who starts as an adult. sandra (proud aunt of 8-year old multi-instrumentalist, whose violin playing is still cat strangling, according to her father, who like his sister cannot play any instrument) |
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09 Jan 05 - 08:02 AM (#1375031) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: My guru always said Oh well done to you both!!! Though you're such a good musician that I'm hardly surprised at all!! |
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09 Jan 05 - 12:16 PM (#1375086) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: fat B****rd Well Done You!! I'm going to read your news again and wait for my own lethargy to go away. fB |
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09 Jan 05 - 02:30 PM (#1375191) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Cats I know she did it... I've seen the report!!!! By the way, she's also a dab hand at musical crackers!! Well done, Lucy. |
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09 Jan 05 - 03:18 PM (#1375233) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Morticia Good for you, Lucy......a musician as well as that amazing voice of yours, what riches! |
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09 Jan 05 - 03:22 PM (#1375239) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: ranger1 Congrats! Gives me encouragement for myself. |
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09 Jan 05 - 03:34 PM (#1375250) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Eye Lander OOOOOO Lucy, You clever girl you. I wish I had someone to teach me the concertina. Jillie |
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09 Jan 05 - 03:40 PM (#1375253) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Mooh As a beginner fiddler myself...CONGRATULATIONS! Hope you both take delight in this! (Ignore Gargoyle, he must be off his meds, witness how he spelled his name.) Peace, Mooh. |
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09 Jan 05 - 04:08 PM (#1375287) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Sttaw Legend Excellent - well done |
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09 Jan 05 - 04:49 PM (#1375317) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Hawker Aww thanks, I have to say though, the exam was an ordeal rather than an experience, but I am glad I did it. Busy practising for grade 2 now - they sent the entry form with the certificate!!!!!! I have to say, I practis for at least an hour a day, and then play for pleasure whenever I can - cooking the tea, etc. it does drive my husband mad, he bought me a violin mute for Christmas, so he can hear the TV! I have tried to persuade him to buy me an electric one, you can wear ear plugs with those, so only I can hear it!!!!! I could play more then! Liz, I took my bike test just after I had my first daughter, 13 years ago, I felt fantastic - well done you. I rode a 1948 Douglas for a few years, and loved it, but my arthritis in my knees has put an end to this! Gargoyle, I love you! child psychologists! Pah! Amber LOVED the competition and was elated that she beat me - please tell me you are not one of those who wants non-competitive sports at schools.......well, lets be honest.......whats the bloody point of competing? Life is one big competition, I am always setting myself challenges, they are not necessarily pitted against others, but it sure as hell is great when you beat that challenge - and it makes my life more interesting! Cheers and go do it, stop thinking one day I will........ Oh abnd Cats, the food was excellent last night, thanks. Your cheese and crackers were just that, and immense fun! Lucy |
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09 Jan 05 - 05:09 PM (#1375331) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Congratulations!!! Gives hope to some of us other members older than yourself. |
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09 Jan 05 - 05:10 PM (#1375333) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca In case anyone is wondering, it's myself I'm talking about. Had birthday 51 a few months ago. |
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09 Jan 05 - 10:37 PM (#1375619) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Leadfingers That is GREAT stuff - So many people say to me "I wish I could play an Instrument" and then go Negative when I say "Pick one out and learn to play then !" And all the time YOU are learning its encouraging your little girl to keep it up - And we need more youngsters playing all the time !! |
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09 Jan 05 - 11:46 PM (#1375658) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Teresa Congrats, Hawker. :) One of my favorite quotes was from jack Benny, I believe. In a skit on his radio show, he was asked if he could play the violin and he said, "I don't know; I never tried." :) Teresa |
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10 Jan 05 - 12:09 PM (#1375878) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: AggieD Good for you Hawker, well done. Other half & I have just reached the big 50, he has taken up riding a 125 scooter, with the aim of going on to something bigger & better when he passes his bike test & I have just joined a choir to enjoy singing & am soon to start singing lessons & I've also taken up the English concertina. IMHO life isn't worth living unless you have challenges, we're too long dead. |
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10 Jan 05 - 12:29 PM (#1375912) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: vectis Mucho congratulations lucy. If you're practicing for so long every day it's no wonder you are destined to be a star. See you in June all being well. |
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10 Jan 05 - 12:40 PM (#1375930) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Polly Squeezebox Well done you, Hawker. I gave up the violin when I was seven years old and everybody else in the class was streaking ahead because they could already read music. Then took up guitar in my teens and failed to follow through on learning that. However, later in life picked up a concertina then a melodeon and just stuck with it. Now, years later, have spent many wonderful years both leading a ceilidh band and playing solo. Will you be going ahead with the whistle playing also? - under the baton of that other violin player from Cornish Songwriters? Will the group whistle playing feature in one of their future shows? Congratulations to Amber also, tell her that both Jack and Zack think she's done really well. Pauline |
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10 Jan 05 - 03:24 PM (#1376080) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Herga Kitty Well done Lucy and Amber! Hope to see you in Unsung Heroes at the Manor Pavilion in August, if not before. Kitty |
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10 Jan 05 - 05:23 PM (#1376183) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Dipsodeb Way to go Lucy congratulations!! That was a brave thing to do 8 weeks i'm impressed. Give my regards to everyone and a happy new year to you all. We will be coming to Bideford in the next couple of weeks may see you at the Bideford session. ~Debs~x |
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10 Jan 05 - 06:37 PM (#1376226) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Hawker Give us a ring when you're up Debs and we'll arrange a sesh somewhere! Cheers, Lucy |
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10 Jan 05 - 07:06 PM (#1376242) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Shanghaiceltic Well done Lucy! Getting through exams/tests is always a strain, my hats off to you. |
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11 Jan 05 - 05:37 PM (#1376991) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Col K Well done Lucy and of course Amber. No stopping you now, keep on going up the grades. Love Col |
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11 Jan 05 - 10:37 PM (#1377199) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Kaleea In the 30some years I've been teaching Music, some of my most fun students were beyond Social Security age. The oldest one I can recall was 86 when he took Mountain Dulcimer lessons. |
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12 Jan 05 - 09:50 PM (#1377866) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Pauline L For those of us who aren't familiar with the violin grade 1 exam, please tell us what it involves. Then we'll be even more impressed. |
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13 Jan 05 - 02:56 PM (#1378333) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Schantieman My nearly-9-year-old daughter has just inherited the family fiddle. (Her grandfather played and her two cousins have also learned on it. She's learned the names of the strings and more-or-less where to put her fingers. Then, of course, it starts getting difficult - and she gives up. Now, obviously, we have to get her a teacher (I have NO idea!) but how do we get round the prob of her giving up so easily? This happened with the recordr a coule of years ago too. Steve |
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13 Jan 05 - 03:05 PM (#1378347) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Bassic This should be the one that Hawker did I think |
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13 Jan 05 - 03:46 PM (#1378387) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Hawker Absolutely, Bassic, That's the one, and it really isn't that impressive, but its the start of a long climb, and it is awesome trying to play perfectly for a complete stranger who sits and writes notes whilst you play, on what he thinks about your playing. I also have discovered a new world of music. The little black dots on lines were just pretty patterns 'till a couple of months ago now I am able to see how a tune goes, though sometimes I have a little trouble with the timing, especially in 6/8 and strange rhythms! but I am getting there and so is Amber. I am also trying to play a bit by ear, but keep getting my earrings caught in the strings! Cheers, Lucy |
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13 Jan 05 - 06:58 PM (#1378574) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Bassic You have actually inspired me to have a go myself for a grade exam on the violin again......I gave up when I was 11 having got to grade 2 standard to concentrate on the Cello.............35 years later I started to play fiddle again and am loving it....and I guess I have got past grade 2 standard by now so it will be interesting to see where I have got to. Just got to work out what all those notes on the Trebble Clef are after 35 years of reading Bass clef exclusively!!! |
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14 Jan 05 - 01:09 PM (#1379046) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Hawker Best of luck Bassic, let us know how you get on. I was delighted to see that on the criteria for the singing exam (voice), part of the marks are apportioned to the singing of an unaccompanied traditional song! I expected it to be operatic arias and things but was pleasantly surprised that the choice of songs in categories A, B and C included traditional songs too. Well Done them! anyone ever done a singing exam? I would imagine that your mouth goes dry and your voice box seizes up! Mine does every time I sing in public! Cheers, Lucy |
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14 Jan 05 - 01:26 PM (#1379068) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: KathWestra You did all this in eight WEEKS??!!!!???!!!!!!!! I'm incredibly impressed. You'd have to practice all the time to do all this in such a short period of time. Congragulations, Lucy and Amber. Wow! Kathy |
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14 Jan 05 - 03:51 PM (#1379190) Subject: RE: I DID IT!!!!! From: Pauline L That is really very impressive, especially because you did it all in 8 weeks! Did you practice for two hours a day and have lessons every other day? Wow! I'm *very* impressed. I looked at the test and had a couple of quick thoughts. First, I can't get my violin students to practice scales and arpeggios. I believe it would be helpful for both classical violinists and folk fiddlers. Second, I don't like the requirement for singing something. I absolutely can not carry a tune with my voice, but I can do it easily with my fingers on my fiddle. In fact, that's why, at the age of 10 or 12, I decided to stick with learning to play the violin. Super congratulations to you! |