Real progress, real frustration

July 7, 2008 at 11:31 AM

This year has been really good for me artistically. I have made real progress in my playing; I believe I will even develop a decent spicatto! My bow strokes have improved to the degree that I can consistently produce a very nice sound, but I still have to watch out that I don't allow it to angle back over my left shoulder on the up-bow. And my vibrato could use improvement. So many things to work on, I wonder if I will ever feel that I am a good violinist?
One of my big frustrations, however, is not having an outlet for performance (other than church). Our city symphony folded earlier this year due to lack of funds (primarily because of mismanagement), and while I've heard that they are trying to reconstitute, I've heard nothing more. Really though, playing in the local symphony isn't necessarily what I want; I'd be happy to be part of a chamber ensemble or a string quartet, or even a duo. I'm not getting any younger. I hope (and pray) that I will have a chance to play in a group.

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