Returning to the flute after a while

[isoc]

HI All,

I'm now 71, and I think I'd better return to playing the flute.

I started in my 40's to help my daughter when she started in marching and then concert band. We took flute lessons together, and played flute duets in church and for family and fun occassions.

But she grew up and moved away (though she is still a player).

I then had less occassion to play, and would only rarely pick up my flute. Last time was 3 years ago, and I only worked with it for about 2 weeks.

But now I'm at an age when I can't keep thinking "I'll take it up again when I am older," because I AM older!

So it's back to scales and T&G excercises, and a couple of flute duets from our selected flute duets book. I'll just play both parts for now, and try to build up my skills again to get to at least where I was 25 years ago, kind of a "beginning intermediate."

I look at T&G and assignments our teacher once gave us, and think, "Wow! 25 years ago I could play this!"

So, as I progress, I'll be posting a few questions and looking for a bit of help.

- Ted

[SylvreKat]

Welcome, Ted!

It's never too late to resume playing an instrument! Once you regain your chops, how about finding a solo/accompaniment book of religious songs to play in your church? If your church is anything like mine, the congregation loves "special" music and is never judgmental. That would give you a goal to work for, and a place to play. You might also check to see if there's a community/civic band near you. Another great place to play without stressing.

Most of all, have fun!

>'Kat

[isoc]

HI Kat, Thanks for the welcome back!

Unfortunately, the Church where we once played has changed a lot, and I have no motivation to play there again. I suppose the "guitar group" would welcome me (my daughter once played with them) but I don't like their repertoire and try to avoid them.

That's me, not them! The congregation likes them and they do well. I just don't like the music choices.

If I do get better there are two other churches where our former music directors now play, and where my daugher still plays on some occasions. But I'd rather give those occasions to her.

My first wife was a church organist. (I was married to her for 32 years, she died 14 years ago, and I eventually remarried a non-musician.) I have an organ at home, which I bought for my first wife. I am concurrently trying to play a bit of the organ music, but it's not easy, either. Both hands, both feet, heel and toe: it's a lot to coordinate for a guy who is not too coordinated. But I have had a bit of success with simple things. I don't play left hand cords, one note melody right hand on the upper keyboard, and one octave toeing with the left foot, which was typical "spinet organ/home organ" style. I try more traditional playing.

For the flute, I'll be happy to get back to "early intermediate." I like the sound of the flute (when I play well) for me, now.

- Ted

[isoc]

On the organ I have been practicing an old church Marian Hymn, based on chant, "Ave, Regina caelorum."

First right hand, then left hand, then pedal, then right and left hand together, then right hand and pedal together, then all together. I am just now, after about an hour of doing the above, able to do this.

However, I then picked up my flute, looked at the melody line, and played it easily, with just a couple of awkward notes, which didn't surprise me, since have only started to practice my flute after not playing at all for three years.

So, that made me happy!

- Ted

[SylvreKat]

Oh my gosh, Ted, that's exactly how my Dad would play! He started on Pappa's old Wurlitzer spinet, then we bought a Conn. I think he never graduated to true pedaling though.

And I totally agree about how hard playing organ is. I can do both feet, or both hands with either foot, or either hand with both feet, but add that fourth limb and there's one too many limbs involved to keep straight. I play well enough for my own pleasure, but shall not inflict it onto any innocent ears.

>'Kat