Musical Morning - Wednesday, June 13
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1. Name of Instrument: mandolin
2. Instrument Family: string
3. At what age did you start studying music?
16
4. Why did you choose this instrument?
My brother built a mandolin and gave it to me for my 43rd birthday so I promised to learn how to play it.
5. Why do you enjoy playing this instrument?
I have found it very relaxing to concentrate on small tasks like putting my fingers in a specific spot and to be rewarded with the sound is very
satisfying.
6. What do you find challenging about playing this instrument?
First is the tuning of the eight strings! Without this the instrument sounds awful no matter how well I might play it. I also find it tricky to
make both hands work together as I must press a string with my left hand and make sure that same string is plucked by my right hand.
7. What are your favorite musical pieces to play? Why?
My favorite music comes from a time long before even my great-grandfather was born. In real life, I play the flute and recorder and I have been
trained mostly in the music of Bach's time, the Baroque period, and before. My favorite music of all time would be Bach's Brandenburg
Concertos, his violin partitas and cello suites, and (of course) his flute sonatas.
8. Additional Comments:
I am flabbergasted by the amount of work that has gone into this project and am
honored to play a small part in this ongoing extension of Donna's classroom. This is truly an education that works- one that not only
inspires the students but challenges the adults as well. All my hats are off to you and Donna LaRoche!!!
Name That Tune!