Players in Common?

September 28, 2012 at 9:18 AM

It seems that Tennis and Violin are referenced together in quite of few posts. This inspired me to write this quirky poem.

Players in Common?

Whether it be a racquet with strings,
or an instrument that sings.
Both are wielded by players of higher standards.
Aiming for their optimal performance in reserved manner
The Game is almost like a duet, the server, the melody- returner the harmony.
Together showcases their talents, the opposition creates drama much like music theory
Technique is paramount and always the challenge.
Using different grips and strokes for them to manage.
Keeping with in the lines as of the notes on the bars.
Millimeters and milliseconds matter revealing their flaws.
Arrogance is somewhat expected, it sets the players apart.
Giving them their own “personality” performing true from their heart.
Opening a fresh can of balls (phissssed) is music to your ears.
Much like a set of new strings ringing clean and clear.
It’s quick response and resilience sweetens the sound.
The pop-bounce of the ball is crisper and higher is found.
Always looking ahead to keep you in time and in control.
Relying on muscle memory so the execution casually flow.
Paying close attention to where the notes and balls land.
Keeping game and music contained while the player in command.
One stroke from bow or racquet, determines the start and the end.
The points and notes in between is art in motion,
spectators take notice to commend.
Even still with the ending of every match or score.
Both players are looking forward to excel even more.
Making them exercise quirky drills while doing daily tasks.
Hoping nobody notices in bewilderment, approaches and asks.
Wielding bags and cases over shoulder -protecting their instruments,
from the extremes of ambient air and surrounding environments.
Where old tradition gets fitted with a new look by new students of both crafts.
Modern players seem to have more flash and be more visual by contrast.
Yet it is the old masters these students still try to emulate.
Some achieve success at it while others work harder as to concentrate.
But players of both schools is what keeps the game and artistry alive.
Displaying sportsmanship and musicians each with the common drive.
To capture that moment, that caliber of play "when you're in the zone".
I wrote this silly poem to free my inner thoughts, I'd like to think I'm not alone.

From Paul Deck
Posted on September 29, 2012 at 10:45 PM

I think there might be a few reasons why violin and tennis go together.

It could be easier for a high school or college student who is studying the violin seriously to take up tennis compared to a sport like soccer or basketball which would command huge tracts of afterschool time for team practices. One does not need to join a team to learn to play.

As an individual sport and a non-contact sport, tennis is easier to carry with you into middle age. Lots of v-commers are middle-agers and beyond.

Finally, violin lessons for children are much more likely to be pursued by families of at least some means. These are the same folks who can also likely afford lessons in a country club sport like tennis or golf.

But I agree with you about a couple of things. First, violinists are comfortable with being completely accountable for what goes wrong. If you lose a tennis match, it is because you were outplayed. You cannot hide behind teammates. Also about emulating the old masters. Of course Federer and Nadal are brilliant, but my favorite player of all time is still Jimmy Connors.

From Anne-Marie Proulx
Posted on September 30, 2012 at 9:30 PM

Hi, I really loved that poem!

In fact, violin has much to do with many sports and especially individual recepie like sports.

I remember that when i did bow and arrow shoting at school, I was stunned at how similar it was with the violin. Actually, I had an ability for the sport, which I give credit to my violin training. I started classical horse back riding this summer and my violin training also helped me so much. I am used to check every angle of my posture and follow recepie like individual sports.

I'm sure golf and yoga are similar to violin too as many violinists say this too...

Interesting :)

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Players in Common?

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