Fall Follies

I spent last week at my annual Elderhostel recorder workshop in the Carmel Valley. We didn't get rained on (much), the sun came out (at least part of) most days, and the food was particularly good - especially the whipped cream that was served with most of the desserts.

I drew a sopranino solo in a Handel Concerto Grosso that we played in recorder orchestra, which had a few 'lively' 16th notes. And the conductor asked me to conduct several sectional rehearsals, which was also fun.

I dragged myself out of bed at 7 each day to take a mile and a half walk with some friends that I see only at this workshop, and saw a few birds during the exercise.

The high point of the week was a jam session I had with a newcomer named Doug, playing through the Telemann duets for alto, numbers 5 and 6. I let him set the tempo for most of the movements, and he chose quite sprightly ones, challenging me to some of the fastest and most accurate playing I've done in some time. I even played a high note that requires stopping the end of the recorder against my thigh, which I usually avoid (and sometimes for good reason, since the note won't sound when I'm wearing my usual corduroy pants). This time, I was wearing denim, and it came out just fine. Yay team.