I am playing in a benefit concert on January 26. The price of admission is snack foods, small clothing items, and miscellaneous small amusements (crossword puzzle books, CDs, phone cards, stationery, etc.) for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There seem to be a multitude of these groups raising money or collecting pretzels for the troops. It's sad that such efforts are necessary--on so many levels--but, if the troops need wool socks, granola bars, duct tape, and playing cards, I am certainly willing to play music to make it happen.
I must admit that there is a little grumpiness among musicians associated with this event. Four or five ensembles are playing, and we all get 10 to 12 minutes each. Groups want to play for a half hour or an hour each. I am probably the only one who is perfectly willing to play for 10 or 12 minutes and spent the reset of the time listening to the other groups. It is interesting, to me, to meeting the other amateur music groups in the area, and I enjoy this sort of thing. To me, it is a good opportunity to work hard on a limited number of pieces and bring them to a good performance level vs., sometimes, not doing quite so well on a multitude of pieces.
On the other hand, I must also admit that, since I play in two of the groups who are performing, I actually get to play for 20 to 24 minutes, both flute and cello, and have no reason to be grumpy myself.
Well, I'm off to collect some nice, tasty, nutritious, organic snacks, and hope that someone on some level is working to bring the soldiers back home, where there are snacks and duct tape aplenty.
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9 comments:
My veteran husband always reminds me that it is the soldiers, not the war, that we are supporting when we send packages.
Yes, of course. I hope you didn't interpret my comments otherwise. My husband's cousin's son and many of my children's friends are serving in Iraq and elsewhere. We are spending zillions in Iraq, yet there is apparently a need for the multiple local groups sending socks and snacks and toothpaste. Tours of duty are extended and re-extended. Our government needs to support the troops too--at the very least by providing enough socks.
Well, I hope you enjoy the event, that the music goes well, and I am sure it will make a difference. Good luck!
Yes, it's a pity that the government doesn't provide all the necessities. I'm sure the soldiers will be grateful for your efforts.
I feel the same way about having to supply the basics. I do it gladly because it needs to be done, but I'm so hacked that the Powers That Be can't be bothered.
SOCKS!!!!! Sheesh...
But have fun at the concert. :)
Thanks for the good wishes. I do think I will have fun at the concert. I am playing cello with the fiddle group and flute and cello with the flute group. The only piece in which I am "exposed" on cello is "Little Red Monkey," one of the flute choir's signature pieces. I adapted the cello part from the piano accompaniment (we don't have a pianist). I still don't play it perfectly, but it is often "close enough." Maybe this time I will practice it just that little bit more.
Good for you!!
Great to see someone organizing something like this!!
Help me out, mate. Where, when on the 26th. I'd love to attend.
Hi Cellodad,
It's at the Mashpee Senior Center, in Mashpee, of course, at 2 PM. e-mail me if you need additional information.
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