Playing Under the Milky-Way

March 6, 2013 at 2:54 PM

Oh, I'm longing for spring here in Iowa! Right now there is a lot of snow on the ground, but that doesn't keep me from dreaming! We live out in the country - "out in the middle of nowhere" (we've been told many a time) so the milky-way is clearly visible on cloudless nights with thousands and thousands of stars. When it's warm out, I can't resist the pull to play in the moonlight. I take my violin and stand out on our wrap-around deck, soaking in the natural sounds of the crickets and frogs; sometimes I can hear the creek in the background. I get totally lost when I look up into that black night sky - just utterly content. I usually start with a hymn; how can one do otherwise? Praise to my Creator who made such a beautiful sky and blessed us with the ability to make beautiful music. A train might rumble by and I have fun trying to find what note the train's whistle is. We do have coyotes around, but as of yet, I have never set them to howling! Often, the fog will roll in; it is so lovely in the moonlight! But if the humidity gets to great, I have to quit and my bow always tells me when.

Does anyone else play out under the milky-way?

From Nathan Kroptavich
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 1:08 AM

Oh, you have me longing for spring! I play at outdoor weddings, but I never really think to play outside just for fun. Maybe it's because I live in the suburbs, and I don't know what my neighbors would think. Maybe I need to take a trip, because to be under the stars and play would be inspiring. Thank you for the idea! :)

From Kevin Keating
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 2:59 AM

Yes, I've done that before. I also live out in God's country in upstate NY. I especially like playing in the evening, but once the dampness sets in I don't stay out long with my instrument.

From George Mitrou
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 3:46 PM

Well, not me yet. I'm still at the beginning of the journey so my playing isn't yet considered beautiful... And I envy for the place you live! ^_^

From Charlie Gibbs
Posted on March 7, 2013 at 5:56 PM

If your playing isn't beautiful then that's all the more reason to go off somewhere far from other people. Mother Nature is quite forgiving - you can mess up all you want and she won't make snide remarks.

I haven't played under the Milky Way (with the weather right now we don't have much of a chance to see it), but sometimes I'll go out in the country at lunchtime and practise outdoors. I've even found a sheltered spot where I can play in the rain. If it's moist out, I do have to tighten my bow several times.

From Ann Marie Cordial
Posted on March 8, 2013 at 12:05 PM

I'd love to be able to see the Milky Way. But I go on several 'get-aways' to the Atlantic Ocean, and I'll get up right before sunrise, walk to the water, and play while the sun rises. It's a very peaceful feeling. (Oh I forgot to add that my instrument and bow are carbon fiber, and therefore have immunity from the humidity of the salt water).

---Ann Marie

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Playing Under the Milky-Way

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