Starting w/82Z - Weird, or OK? [Archive]

SaxyMF

05-25-2008, 06:20 PM

Hi, Folks!

I've just discovered SOTW, and I'm delighted to have found this terrific resource! While growing up, I played a variety of instruments (clarinet, trombone, bassoon, trumpet, tuba, bass drums), but I was never good enough to satisfy myself on any of them. After nearly 30 years (I'm 47 now), I've decided to give it another go - I'd love to be able to play the sax! I've decided to take a slightly unorthodox path to do so. So far, I've ordered the following:

Yamaha YAS-82Z Custom Alto Sax (new from Pro Winds)
Instrument Stand
Reeds (three types, from 2-3)
Reed holder
Music Stand
Instructional Books/CDs & DVDs (~10)
Korg Tuner/Metronome
In addition, I've donated to SOTW. I'm assuming that my next important step is to find a good teacher locally, and I'll start digging around to do just that.

With this in mind, I have a few questions. I know starting out with the 82Z is a little unusual, and wondered what you might think of this approach? For what it's worth, I'm determined to stick with it this time, and so I'm not too worried about the instrument becoming a door stop.

My second question is what else I should be doing to get started? For instance, should I plan on having the horn checked out by a tech before getting started, or should I start playing first, and then have it checked out if I run into problems? What other advice might you give to get things off on the right foot?

Regardless of whatever feedback I might receive here, please accept my sincere thanks for the time folks have spent sharing their experiences, guidance and advice on SOTW - what a gem of a site! :)

Cheers!
Mark

fluteypiccolosax

05-25-2008, 07:12 PM

"My second question is what else I should be doing to get started? For instance, should I plan on having the horn checked out by a tech before getting started, or should I start playing first, and then have it checked out if I run into problems? What other advice might you give to get things off on the right foot?"

i would just bring it to a tech.
there might be somthing there you wouldnt notice.

DavyRay

05-25-2008, 07:18 PM

Hi, Folks!

(snip)
My second question is what else I should be doing to get started? For instance, should I plan on having the horn checked out by a tech before getting started, or should I start playing first, and then have it checked out if I run into problems? What other advice might you give to get things off on the right foot?
(snip)

Yeah! Do that. The most important thing in the beginning is knowing that the funny noise is you, not a problem with the equipment. If you know a good player, you can get them to test play your new sax. Same result.

Pete Thomas

05-25-2008, 07:28 PM

I don't see anything weird, I would get a tech to set the horn up though. But you say you are going to get a teacher - that's the most important thing and the teacher would be able to check the horn if you hadn't had a chance to get it looked at by a tech.

Good luck and welcome.

themacintrasher

05-25-2008, 07:42 PM

I'd suggest getting a decent Hard Rubber mouthpiece like a rubber otto link

gary

05-25-2008, 07:43 PM

Looks like you've done your homework. Refreshing. :thumbrig:

Welcome! And nothing unusual starting with a "Z". I started with a new Mark VI. Why not?

Only thing missing from your shopping list are a few pull-through swabs to get the water out of your mouthpiece, neck and sax when you're finished playing, and you forgot the beer-can holder which attaches to your music stand. :D

Typically some poor lost souls will want to live vicariously through you and start telling you what "upgrade" mouthpieces you should add to your list. I have only one suggestion for you, if they do:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b388/DrJazz_/hearseenoevil.gif

(Oh man, that's funny. I didn't see the post above this one as evidently I was typing this as it was being posted. What can I say?)

SaxyMF

05-25-2008, 08:24 PM

Hi, Gang!

Flutey, Davy, and Pete: Advice accepted! As soon as I've honked on it for a 1/2 hour or so (I know I won't be able to resist when I pull it out of the box ;) ), I'll head to a Pro shop and get it checked out - promise! Many thanks for the great guidance, and Pete, special thanks for the kind welcome!

Macintrasher: I do understand your recommendation, especially as I learn how to develop my sax embouchure; if there's any problems or miscomfort, I'll check out the Otto. Also, if I'm remembering properly, I'll watch carefully for the "shortness of breath" issues that I think you'd reported on the Alto - that's a bit of a concern for me, too, since I'm not exactly a marathon runner.

Gary: On the swabs, oops - I completely forgot about them; thanks for the reminder! As for the really serious topic, I'll find a beer holder ASAP! :D It's also great to hear about your starting on the Mark VI - I was worried that folks would tell me that the 82Z would be too hard to learn on. Regarding the mouthpiece, and your duping with Mac, you brought tears to my eyes, I was laughing so hard - thanks for the break!!! Finally, let me sincerely congratulate you on having that special "magic moment" recently, when your solo soared to Nirvana. I wish I'd been there to be able to hear it! 8-) Thanks again!

Warmest wishes, everyone!

Have Fun!
Mark

kjetil_bari

05-25-2008, 08:50 PM

I was worried that folks would tell me that the 82Z would be too hard to learn on.

If anything, you'll be playing on a horn so good that you won't know how to handle a bad one if you ever need to. :)

Any beginner with an 82z is a lucky beginner.

gary

05-25-2008, 08:52 PM

Mark, I didn't quite get at first what you were meaning about starting on a Z being a bit different. It seems you have the impression that a professional level sax will have more challenges for a beginning player; too much horn for you, as it were.

This isn't like a new driver driving a McLaren instead of a Honda Accord. There's actually little difference in playing ease between low-end and high-end saxes, with exceptions, but the exceptions are the so-called beginner and "step-up" instruments which might not be put together well and have poor intonation. So, if anything, the Z will be easier to play.

Since it's been broached, a word about mouthpieces. Your sax should come with a Custom Yamaha mpc, probably a 4C which is an excellent beginner-intermediate mpc. Read a good article by our own Pete Thomas on mouthpieces: http://www.petethomas.co.uk/saxophone-mouthpieces.html You will notice he singles out the Yamahas as a good place to start.

If you do change from the Yamaha mpc do it with your teacher's recommendation and supervision and not because of any frothing at the mouth you might get from reading all of the GAS-inspired posts on SOTW.

Oh, wait a minute. What am I saying?!! :shock: I've got a Selmer S90 190 and a Jody Jazz HR* both of which would be perfect upgrades for you, for sale. Quick. Find a teacher and tell him you've got to have one of these!!! :D

SaxyMF

05-25-2008, 10:38 PM

Hi, Gary & Kjetil!

Now that is really terrific news! I specifically decided to go with the 82Z because folks generally reported that it has somewhat/slightly greater voicing flexibility than, say, the 875EX (and presumably may need a bit more control when learning). While I know it'll take me years to be able to exploit this horn, it's my dream that I reach the point where I might eventually be able to jam a little bit with other local jazz players. While we won the state Jazz band back in high school, I know my limits: I can only sit back and listen in awe and admiration on those occasions when I get the opportunity to listen to live jazz. To those of you who've been spreading that great gift of cool tunes to all of us, THANK YOU! You've inspired me to finally get off my butt and try to learn what I can. However little it might turn out to be, music is such a huge healer - and such a delightful deliverance - that I feel that I owe all of you! Thank you again!

Best Wishes!
Mark

themacintrasher

05-26-2008, 04:47 AM

Come to think of it, you might want to try a meyer 5 or 6

SaxyMF

05-30-2008, 12:31 AM

Hi, Gang!

Excellent progress! Thanks to a kind forum member's PM to me, I'm hooked up with a recommended teacher here in Palo Alto (many thanks, again, Matt)! In addition, I've got an appointment - as promised - with a saxophone tech on Tuesday, who'll check out my new horn and do any tuneups that are necessary.

The teacher seems quite appropriate for my needs. An active performer and teacher, he was almost a little concerned about my pre-purchasing everything (like all the books, etc), emphasizing that part of what I'm paying for is his guidance; not only on technique, but also on equipment progress, teaching material, etc. No question, I'll definitely start with the stock Yamaha 4CM mouthpiece, and we'll let "Jeff" guide me if any changes become necessary.

Now, I've just gotta' keep twirling my thumbs until the 82Z arrives on Monday! :( I guess in the mean time, I'll start trying out the "smile/whistle/smile..." exercise to try to at least start building up my embouchure. Once again, what an amazing resource SOTW is!!! Just because of my posts in this thread, I received a great teacher recommendation without even trying! Thanks again, folks!

Have Fun!
Mark

bfoster64

05-30-2008, 12:53 AM

You're gonna' love that 82Z alto--great horn!

SaxyMF

05-30-2008, 01:22 AM

Hi, bfoster64!

Thank you very much for the encouragement - I'm as excited as heck, looking forward to get the chance to start honking away on it! :) By the way, nice handle! I'm actually:

Saxy Mark Foster ;)

Cheers!
Mark

matsuo

05-30-2008, 01:31 AM

Have fun with your new horn when you get it and good luck.

SaxyMF

05-30-2008, 04:29 AM

Hi, Folks!

Matsuo: thank you very much - I promise to do my very best not to get into a funk when I funk up, not to fold when I'm not making progress, and not to whine and bitch when I'm on such an ultimately soul-satisfying quest! Here's to those who are honestly serious about learning whatever they can! :)

Gary & Pete: After scanning your posts, I took the time to check out what you've both done here on SOTW, and all I can do is to utter a stupified, eyes-glazed, WOW! It's rare, indeed, to see anyone whose posts I universally agree with, but it's bloody astonishing to see folks who combine that with unerring common sense. To add to that the depth of experience, and the amazing degree of effort that you've both extended to help other learners is simply beyond belief. I lack the words to adequately express my appreciation for how you've helped me and all of the rest of us here on SOTW. Guys, thank you. I am deeply honored that you've taken the time to help out once again. Please accept my very best wishes!

Sincerely,
Mark

SaxyMF

05-30-2008, 10:12 PM

Hi, Gang!

While rather off-topic, I'll add to my shopping list a crucial missing ingredient: "reference" tunes to help me get into different alto sax voices and styles. Based on the recommendations here, I've ordered a pile of CDs featuring such alto artists as Cannonball Adderley, Richie Cole, Paul Desmond, Johnny Hodges, Eric Marienthal, Charlie Parker, David Sanborn, and Phil Woods (who even plays an 82Z!). As others have posted, it's just as important to train your ear as it is to train your embouchure, and I'm going to enjoy doing just that!

Have Fun!
Mark

kjetil_bari

05-30-2008, 11:39 PM

Gosh, if you keep up this level of interest, you'll be an expert in no time. Go Mark! :)

Noj the Terrible

05-31-2008, 01:24 AM

I am so impressed! Way to go Mark! Even getting music to listen to. Please listen to your teacher, sometimes things don't always make sence when you are told to do things but rest assured there will be a good reason for it. Most of the time these things will make something easier in the future. Don't skip these things that might be a little boring at first, however, always remember to have fun. You have ordered a great sax and it should be a pleasure to play.

What ever you do don't get GAS, it is highly infectious and not very productive.

Good luck and have fun!

Jon

SaxyMF

06-01-2008, 03:49 AM

Hi, Gang!

Kjetil & Noj: Oh, wow. Thank you so much, guys! I really appreciate your support! With folks like you giving me that kind of encouragement, how can I go wrong?!? :) Noj, great feedback! I've in fact really been thinking about exactly that point. To ensure that I get the most out of each lesson, I'll try to intensely focus on - and accept - Jeff's feedback. Will do!

Folks: Please accept my apologies if I'm a little behind the schedule posted above. Something quite odd's happened. After daily following the UPS tracking log all the way from Bloomington Indiana out to San Pablo California, where it arrived at 2:15AM this morning, tonight UPS reported an unexplained exception, and deleted the tracking record. I've never seen that before - weird, indeed! Ah, well, a bit more time for smile-whistle-smile! ;)

Cheers!
Mark

P.S. Yup, I've contacted Pro Winds to track down what's happened.

SaxyMF

06-03-2008, 01:27 AM

Hey!

The moment's finally arrived - the big brown truck just showed up, and I've got my horn! Yee-hah! I haven't even tried it out yet, but that'll be happening yet tonight. And, as I mentioned, it'll be off to the tech for its checkup tomorrow. Many thanks, everyone!

Have Fun!
Mark

P.S. The "exception" which temporarily blew up their computer turned out to be nothing other than the package being slightly heavier than they'd expected. Hallelujah! :)

Swingtone

06-03-2008, 02:48 AM

You're in good company.

This Chi-town guy plays the tenor version, and he's been nominated for a Grammy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKKEavSi5iQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjgztthGX30

Have fun with your new "toy!"

BYOB

06-03-2008, 11:11 PM

Hey, congrats on the new horn! I know you'll absolutely love it - the Z I have just doesn't disappoint. It has great flexibility, a full rich tone, and a tenor-like first register, but the thing I love most about it..is that everytime I come back, I discover something new about it that I didn't know before. The Z for me improves as I improve..and I've never hit a roadblock or an obstacle that the Z can't surpass!

Try listening to this too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-fxs_ZWXH4&feature=related

It's a bit more into the pop/smooth jazz thing, but it really shows the flexibility as compared to the straight ahead clips Swingtone. But I'll stop babbling - have fun with your horn!

Jonathan C.

06-03-2008, 11:52 PM

Congrates. If your this intense in your playing you'll be pretty good. Just listen to what the teacher says. Cool horn to...

SaxyMF

06-04-2008, 02:26 AM

Hi, Folks!

Man, I can't believe the terrific support around here! :D What a cool place SOTW is!

Swingtone: Good lord! That is stunning stuff - so far advanced that I can barely glimpse the complexity of what he's playing. That, along with Phil's cool YAS-82Z video sure makes it clear how fast the action is on this horn! :) Thanks for the great pointer! I'm definitely having fun so far!

BryanQ: Awesome! I'd seen that video previously, and it was bizarre reading some folks criticize her playing because her improvs were "pure memorization". :shock: Like I'd mind in the least if I could pull that off with every trick in the book, including a tele-prompter, an assistant pulling the keys for me, and electric shocks to keep me in rhythm! ;) What I hadn't caught in the thread before was that she'd been using an 82Z (probably because I hadn't decided to get one then)! I'm delighted to hear about your experience growing with the Z - that's exactly what I've been shooting for with this horn. Hopefully it'll be an effective anti-GAS treatment for me!

Carbs: Thanks, man! Regarding my teacher, I keep telling myself just that: "be humble, listen, and practice, practice, practice"; sort of getting myself psyched before my first lesson next Monday. We'll sure try!

All: Well, I've got to say that the Z sure inspires confidence for newbies! When I first pulled the horn out of the box and started honking and squealing, it was great just to hear anything at all. Within perhaps 3 minutes, though, I was starting to hear a couple of recognizable tones; after a half hour, I could even play (shakily) a couple of scales. By the end of an hour, I had a couple of tiny 2-3 bar "music sounding" snippets that didn't seem too bad at all, and I was even playing 'em with a fair bit of dynamic range. When my girlfriend arrived at home and walked in while I was playing one of them, she said "That sounds great"! 8-)

My biggest concern all along was whether I'd make it over that first big hump to the point where I could actually enjoy the sounds the instrument was making. While I have no illusions whatsoever about how tremendously far I have to go, I'm already starting to see over that hump! Especially on long notes in the lower register, this thing sounds amazing to me - the resonance and depth of the sound is simply superb! Thanks again to all of you for your great help and encouragement - it really means a lot to me!

Very Best Wishes!
Mark

bluesaxgirl

06-04-2008, 02:37 AM

Keep it up Mark!
An 82Z is way okay! You are really lucky! Not many people start on a sax like that.

SaxyMF

06-04-2008, 03:44 AM

Hi, BlueSaxGirl!

What a sweetheart you are - it sure seems that you're growing up to be someone who's really special! To your point, you are quite right - I am indeed very lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to be able to start off with such a great horn. I hope that in my enthusiasm, I haven't conveyed the wrong message - by no means am I trying to convince anyone to push beyond their means to get this, or any other, pro horn.

I really do understand that many, if not most, folks have had to work harder to be able to achieve their music dreams. I also know that I probably won't ever be able to touch most of them with regard to my music abilities. What I can say, though, is that I'm going to work very hard to try to make myself worthy of this instrument. More importantly, as I do so, I'll hopefully gain the opportunity to meet more of you, get the chance to learn from you and share with others, and via doing so, I hope to be able to contribute to this fantastic SOTW community!

Blue, keep on doing exactly what you're doing - you're an exceptionally impressive girl! :) I know that you're going to succeed - just stay as cool as you already are!

Warmest Wishes!
Mark

P.S. Please keep posting your videos - they're great!

SaxyMF

06-05-2008, 02:25 AM

BYOB

06-05-2008, 04:21 AM

Hi, Folks!

Lo and behold! Bringing in an instrument to the tech - even a brand new one - really is worthwhile! Presumably, once it's shipped and gets jiggled around, things are sometimes slightly out of whack. Fortunately, I found a great shop - Acosta Woodwind & Brass Workshop in Mountain View. I dropped in at lunchtime, and the workshop's right out front, where you see them rebuilding and refurbishing horns - nifty! The tech (who is the owner, I believe) encouraged me to watch while he checked over the horn. It was a neat experience, for as he worked, he pointed out small errors that wouldn't affect normal playing (which I asked him to go ahead and tweak), as well as a couple of somewhat larger errors that represented small leaks and registration issues. The entire process took about 15 minutes, and was dirt cheap, yet throughout it, he educated me on how to prolong the life of the horn, as well as explaining each step he did. Very cool, and a very nice guy, too!

Folks, you were right! It's definitely worth making the quick stop to a tech, even on a new purchase. Thanks a bunch! It is indeed reassuring - and confidence building - to know that things are really right, and that all those weird noises that I'll be hearing will be coming from me! ;)

Have Fun!
Mark

P.S. Since this is in the newbie section, I'm hoping that adding a few of my initial experiences isn't too distracting in this thread, even though they may not be related directly to what instrument to buy. If this seems too irrelevant, just give me a ping, and I'll move the comments elsewhere (if they're worth it, of course!).

Oh absolutely not. It's not quite so common to find someone so enthusiastic and energetic about their experiences :D so it really is a pleasure to read everything that you've been posting here on the forum. Getting a tech to check through the horn really is worthwhile because, like you mentioned, you know that the sound coming out is just you, not the horn :twisted:.

But enjoy the horn and your lessons! You've definitely gotten a winner and you'll be going up the progress ladder in no time. When I first attempted to play the sax, it was in school band and I still remember clearly that I was playing a reed strength 2 levels harder than what I should've been at - so that whole year was spent squeaking and biting my chops. Eventually I got it sorted out and now it doesnt hurt at all, but if I had a teacher, he would've caught it first lesson.

Now that I do have an instructor, he really has been helpful in getting the technique, articulation, and tone in! Just make sure to practice :).

BlueTrane2028

06-05-2008, 04:24 AM

Congrats. I can tell you this, I've been playing for most of my life, but playing on a leaky sax doesn't get any easier as your skill improves. You've really saved yourself a lot of hassle that way.

Keep the enthusiasm rolling!

SaxyMF

06-10-2008, 06:25 AM

Hi, Folks!

BryanQ: WoW! Many thanks to you sir! That's an especially appreciated, and extremely kind post! /me Bows! :) I'm looking forward to being able to follow in your footsteps! Thank you for sharing the great news that I've been fortunate enough not to shoot myself in the foot again... through my head! ;)

BlueTrane2028: I'm truly curious about your handle! What momentous event might happen in 2028, pray tell? Let's see, if I'm still around, I'll be 68, and most likely in pretty poor shape, considering the number of neurons that I go out of my way to anesthetize each night! :D Thanks a bunch for the encouragement!

All: Awesome! I had my very first lesson with Jeff today, and it was a real trip! We went through all the basics, like handling the instrument, assembling it, playing postures and formats, cleaning up, playing a few long notes, etc. What's best is that he and I definitely meshed: he even liked the fact that I'd already bought the exact same music training book that he brought over for me to start on, and he liked the other ones I'd gotten too!

Three fabulous things happened. First, when he walked up to the door, the first thing he said was "I heard you playing as I was coming in, and it sounds like you're not gonna' need me"! ;) Clearly, this is a guy who's not forgotten to keep the positive feedback going to help encourage students! I obviously knew it was a joke, but believe me, it still helped to bring a big smile to my face. What made it even cooler was that throughout the lesson, he kept saying "You may not have played anything in 30 years, but you're fortunate enough to still have the chops, so that this will be a lot easier for you than it is for many of my other students". Dang... nothing could have made me as happy as that one! Hallelujah!

The other thing that really blew me away was when he played - he's incredibly good! Jeff is a really serious performer, working tons of gigs, including a great San Francisco restaurant/bar that he's been doing continuously for nearly four years! :shock: As it turns out, I had some quiet classic sax jazz playing in the other room (it's been on almost 18 hours/day, getting me pumped up), and he really blew me away when he opened up and blew to the tune that was playing on iTunes - COOL! Dang! Did I get great advice on a teacher, or what? :D I can't wait to head up to the city and hear him on a gig!

Finally, as odd as it might sound to most of you, the favorite part of my lesson was actually a single note! :) At one point, Jeff let out with a really big, long tone, and I decided to join him, turning it into a good ~20 second long tonefest. I got such a kick out of trying to match his tone, and listening to the "beat note" as the two saxes played almost the same tone was a HUGE kick. I truly can't wait until I can play more than 1 note with someone else! ;)

Wow, for those of you who've been holding off on either entering, or returning to, this incredible land of music, DO IT - IT'S FABULOUS!!!

Have Fun!
Mark

P.S. Sorry for the terribly long delay in responding! To keep it short, I've retooled my whole Internet infrastructure (dumping in-house email and DNS servers after nearly 10 years, and moving to dyndns and Google Apps - it's not bad at all)!

Tahshar

06-25-2008, 06:45 AM

SaxyMF please please get out of my head. ! I have been lurking here for ages, doing research and finally convincing myself that this "old dog" might be able to relearn a few long forgotten tricks. Then I see my own introduction post, from you! We must be getting our instructions from the same mothership or something. :D

I played all through school, then joined the Navy, retired after 20 years with a disability, and am picking up the Tenor Sax once more at age 48. Picked up my 82z, music stand, beginning books, ( " Art of.." is on order ) etc. Then followed the guidance found in Paul Coats' article on accesories, and have those items on order( reeds, cleaning supplies, pad dope, etc. ) and began my search for a teacher this afternoon. I can only hope for success like you have had. A very long time ago, in Dallas, I actually took money for playing, which always amazed me. Getting paid for something I loved so much. I miss it enough to do what it takes to get back there, just for the joy of it. :)

In any case, hello everyone, I have to admit to a bit of a surprise, it seems I have missed "musicians", the community or whatever you want to call it, almost as much as I have missed making music. More Wierdness here? Hope not too much so. If anyone has any reccomendations for teachers in the Portland, Oregon area I would be most grateful for a point inna right direction.

SaxyMF

06-27-2008, 06:46 PM

Hi, Tahshar!

Thanks for such an incredibly cool note! Please accept my apologies for the slow response. My job has me traveling internationally quite a bit, and I just landed this morning from another week-long trip to Seoul, Korea, where one of our business partners is. I'll be honest: on this trip, I kept asking myself "How can I possibly grow in my music when I've got to travel so much"? The problem was that, as usual, the trip was just about 100% business, but I had one final night that I'll definitely remember. On my last trip to Korea, I'd remembered hearing an incredibly soulful singer at the Park Hyatt's Timber House restaurant and bar. It was a young girl (definitely a hottie!) who sang as though she'd somehow managed to gain the experience and soul of someone twice her age. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to talk with her last night, and had the chance to ask about her music and life.

In a nutshell, I found out that she's from Georgia, but her husband is in Iraq, serving in the war. With him gone, she'd decided to head off to Korea to be able to gain experience as a performer. What really blew me away was that I'd told a friend who was with me that she sounded lonely... before I ever talked with her. When I finally did get the chance, I mentioned how her "emotion projection" was exceptional, and when I said that her singing revealed that things must have been tough, her response was a passionate "It hasn't been that bad, but it has been a very lonely time", and that's when she opened up and told me the story of what music means to her... the chance to share who she is, her thoughts and wishes, and how powerful an influence that is on her life.

Tahshar, I'll tell you, that was an extraordinarily powerful influence on me. Here I am, whining (when I'd promised that I wouldn't) that I don't have enough time to practice, and I run into someone who's opening up their soul every day, without even being able to know if their partner will be alive tomorrow. Until I'd heard that, I hadn't realized how terribly important it is to be able to ENJOY THE MUSIC WHILE YOU CAN! If anyone here's fortunate enough to be able to hit up the Seoul Park Hyatt, please stop by and share a warm "Hi!" to Jen - truly an exceptional inspiration to me, and I'm sure she is to others, too!

Hearing that you've had the tremendous opportunity to be a professional musician, all I can say is wow! While too few folks will share the impact that listening to you has on their lives, it really does make a difference! I wish you the very best fortune as you rejoin this incredible chorus, and I hope that you find the joy that you're hoping for! I doubt that I'll ever reach that mystical point, but having the chance to play infuses in me an even greater appreciation for those of you who've managed to do just that. Tahshar, PLEASE don't give up when things are tough - this is truly about our souls!

Weirdness? No way. Thank you very much for sharing the journey with me! :) Popping in some Eric Marienthal, I'm re-motivated to try to be able to share my soul via my music somehow, someday, as I've been fortunate enough to hear those of you who are doing so every day. To all of you, my deepest thanks.

Warmest Wishes!
Mark

soybean

06-27-2008, 07:10 PM

on this trip, I kept asking myself "How can I possibly grow in my music when I've got to travel so much"?You probably don't want to drag that beautiful 82z around the world, but why not get a cheap alto for travel. You could put it in a gig bag or Pro Tec case and not have to worry about dings and dents. There are also mutes available for alto that make it very soft sounding.

Lately, i've been traveling with a soprano and it's such a joy to have a horn around instead of watching tv in the hotel room. Whenever possible, I go the basement of the hotel and find an empty meeting room to practice. They're often unlocked. You can ask at the front desk, but usually it's not neccessary to get permission.