July 28, 2005 at 4:35 AM

Well, POPS tonight was interesting...
Here is a warning to all string players:
When you are taking off a mute (the type that slids) DO NOT push DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***
****
*****
****
***

As you might have guessed I learned that by experience... There is one part in Sorcerer's Apprentice where the violins all have about a measure to take off their mutes. Well, mine wasn't sliding, so I pushed down *slightly* ......... and my bridge fell..... and there was that horrid sound as the bridge and tailpiece both hit the body, and the strings all 'thwanged' (it was in a quiet part too...) so of course, everyone looked at me, our conductor stopped the orchestra, and I felt really stupid. Then they finished Apprentice and went on break, and some how, I managed to have everything back together, and my violin in tune and still have about 10 minutes of break... but it was REALLY scary.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on July 29, 2005 at 2:35 AM

You recovered really quickly and well. Give yourself credit for that.

From Danielle Gauthier
Posted on July 29, 2005 at 3:00 AM

i got lucky and had that happen in the comfort and privacy of my own home. i can't imagine it happening in front of an audience (family doesn't count).

This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.