Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Boomer Chronicles

The Boomer Chronicles

It’s International Women’s Day

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 11:15 AM PST

We need to stop sexual violence against women. Today I am thinking about women all over the United States and abroad (particularly in Rwanda and the Congo) who have been assaulted. Many organizations are speaking up for women today, including Google, which offers an array of women’s causes to give to.

I Had My First Violin Recital (at Age 52)

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 05:18 AM PST

As many readers of The Boomer Chronicles know, I started violin lessons a year and a half ago. I had always loved the sound of the violin but never pursued lessons. Finally, around the age of 49, I had the time, money and motivation. As I began to seek out a teacher, I had a few false starts. For instance, I was all set to sign up for an adult education class but realized the schedule would not work out. Then I searched for a teacher in my neighborhood by reading flyers at the local library and other places. Again, nothing worked out. Then I learned of a professional string orchestra that had formed in my neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, Mass. It was called A Far Cry, and the interesting thing is, they had a storefront. So on my neighborhood’s monthly First Thursday art openings, I visited the storefront, met some of the young, enthusiastic orchestra members and got the names of four possible violin teachers. I emailed them, and settled on one.

I went to my first lesson and I knew I had found the right person.

Sure, I wish that string instruments had been available to me as a schoolkid, but it’s better late than never. I love learning the violin.

As for my recital last weekend, a great crowd of about 30 friends attended it. It was nothing fancy. It was me and my teacher playing for a few minutes. I made some mistakes, for sure, but it went well.

I want to send a special shout-out to my former housemate Cat, who with her kind indulgence, tolerated and even supported my practice sessions early on. And my current roommate, Blair, who does not object to the practice sessions, either.

And, of course, my incredible violin teacher, Liza, who is a world-class musician, yet is willing (and enthusiastic) to teach kids and me. How lucky I am!
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