Cello Lesson, April 16, 2010

Back to the usual Friday lesson schedule, though today's was just for 30 minutes. I'll see how I'm doing next week, but I might be able to go back to 1 hour; can get so much more done.

Played Schroeder #44 both separate bowing and 4 slurs; and also 2 slurs. Main problem was keeping the bow off the fingerboard. B said to slow it down, do separate bowing and really pay attention to where the bow is. Keep the bow parallel and maintain a heavy arm. Intonation was good as were fingerings.

We played the Vivaldi Allegro movement from the Concerto in G Minor. I played 2nd cello; B played first. Took it really slow; actually sounded pretty good for a first run through. B made some bowing changes; start with two downbeats on each of the opening measures where G is the first note in the measure. Will keep working on this as well as adding some more measure to Schroeder #44.

Cello Lesson, April 12, 2010

Lesson was for 30 minutes today as I didn't think I could handle a full hour. Will also go back to usual Friday lesson this upcoming Friday, again for just 30 minutes.

Warmed up with some easy Bach before playing Schroeder #40. B's comments:

--bow was too much over fingerboard

--Chords at end of piece were good; an alternative fingering would be to use 3rd finger for C and bar the other two notes (I had tried that and found using 2nd finger worked better for me)

--Thumb not bent correctly; work the elbow more

--try to take the tempo up

--do more with dynamics

--play closer to the bridge

Will put #40 away and skip a couple of the next Schroeder pieces as they get into a lot of thumb work (will return to them later.) Will next work on #44. Some things to be aware of and some things to do initially:

--This is a bow control exercise

--initially, only slur 4 notes together or can even play separate bowing if want to, initially

--work on just part of first page for next lesson

--watch the dynamics

--pay attention first to notes and fingering

--on second page, use open note in the chromatic scale

--will be working on this exercise for awhile so don't worry too much initially; break the exercise down.

Played through the first four or five lines of music on this piece this afternoon; shouldn't be too terribly difficult as long as I take it really slow. Will gradually work up to a faster tempo. Fingerings might be a bit tricky but will keep at it.

Played entree and minuet of Bach Cello Duet; will work on the Bouree and Gigue for next Friday's lesson. Sounded pretty good.

B mentioned that we should work up the Vivaldi Allegro from the Concerto in G minor for 2 cellos, RV 531. It is in Suzuki Book #6, which I have. This would be something we could work on this summer. She suggested that Lois play the piano part and said I could take either the first or second part. I looked at the music and will begin gradually working on the 2nd cello part as it is entirely in the bass clef. Both parts look very similar, except for the brief section for the first cello when it goes into the tenor clef. Will mention this to Lois; don't know if she has the music to this; she may as the Squirre Tarantell is also in this Suzuki book and we played that last year.

Practice Issues

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Lois hurt her eye so we did not get together today. Practiced easy Bach anyway as hopefully we'll get together soon. Started on the Vivaldi, 2nd cello part. Played real slow and played in first position throughout most of the piece. I think this will be very doable; will work up to allegro tempo and proper fingering.

Also continued working on Schroeder #44. Played both separate bowing and 4 slurs. Better on the separate bowing. Playing first half of page one.

Also did scales.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Working on separate bowing, at least initially until I get the fingering down, for Schroeder #44. Will play first half of first page and try to get that ready for Friday's lesson. Hopefully will be able to slur 4 and not just play separate, though B said I could do separate bowing initially.

Also, keep working on easy Bach as Lois and I are getting together tomorrow afternoon to practice.

Will start working on Vivaldi, 2nd cello part.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Worked on easy Bach, Wachet Auf, and the Bach duet. Schroeder #40 was better than yesterday; don't know how it will play out at tomorrow's lesson. Lesson will just be 30 minutes as I'm sure I won't be able to manage an hour of playing. Practice has gone well, overall, all week with steady improvement, especially in the easy Bach. I can concentrate on bow issues, dynamics and intonation with the easy Bach. Will take to my lesson tomorrow though don't know if B will go along with my theory of reverting to easier music in order to concentrate on core issues.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Worked again on easy Bach; still sounding pretty good. Also revisited Wachet Auf from the Cellists's Wedding Album #2 and it didn't sound too pathetic. Played mostly in first position and played at the recommended 60 tempo. I think Lois and I usually take this too fast.

Played through Suite for Two Cellos (first cello part); hopefully some lesson B and I can play this. Is not that easy and actually the second cello part appears to be the hardest part.

Later today will work on scales and more work on #40 or at least selected passages from #40.

Pretty tired today; I may have overdone what with trip to Home Depot, planting herbs and walking Basil. I seem more tired today than I have been in the last couple of days.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Sort of rusty today on Schroeder #40;; will slow it down until I get back up to speed. Can really tell I missed a couple of days of practice. Arm seems to be OK though which is good. Easy Bach sounded good; up to speed, dynamics were good, bowing was good; pretty good overall. First 8 scales were also good; just Schroeder stunk. Wore the back brace which seems to help; don't need it when not playing cello but does seem to help keep the body in a good line. Next lesson is Monday morning; will decided in next day or so whether I can do an hour; probably not. Will attempt to drive myself as Phil has a dentist appt. about an hour before my lesson.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

One last practice before heading to the hospital for a day or so. Played the easy BACH super, super slow to try for the best sound. Worked well. Will now work up to tempo.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Pulled out the old Easy Bach Cello and Piano duets. They make a good exercise for this time; I've played through them three or four times, or at least the ones Lois and I like, and have gotten better though no where near my previous level with the pieces. Lois indicated she was having some piano issues so it sounds perfect!!!

Intermediate Cello Bach: not ready for that. We were only playing three pieces and rather than spend time here, I'd just as soon work on the suites.

So I think Lois and I may try to get together following my surgery Wednesday. If I come home that day or the next, maybe by the weekend I'll be ready for a half hour practice.

I've been wearing a back brace for the last day or so and that seems to help the cello playing.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Daily Exercises book came yesterday; have played with the first couple of exercises. That was quick!

Still working on Schroeder #40 (love the final 4 chords; even I can play a chord given two quarter note rests in-between.) Weakness in right hand affects all playing so I am playing it really really really slow which seems to help.

Bouree #2: trying to play all separate bowing and no looking at music or fingerings; will eventually get the slurs and all else integrated.

Gigue #1: just keep working on it and trying to especially play the cross string slurs as well as the boot stamp.

Will keep playing with the Zen Balls as they seem to make my hand feel more whole.

Suggested to Lois that maybe we can think about playing again; possibly reverting to the easy Bach pieces we know well, though I'm sure I have completely forgotten. Lois would have to come to my house and use my piano, but that should be OK; just easier that way and I don't have to drag my cello, stand, music etc. to her place in spite of the beautiful grand piano. Guess I'd better pull out the Bach pieces before I start talking about being able to play them. Will do so right now!!!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Just ordered Daily Exercises for Violoncello by Feuillard. Music was recommended by Emily Wright in her new book, A Modern Cellist's Manual. Will add some of this to my scale workouts. Didn't have any pain, or not yet, from nulesta injection, but to be on the safe side, I haven't played the cello today or yesterday afternoon. Like one of the other cello blogs said, I will just go in and touch the cello as well as look over music, etc. etc.

About an hour ago, I did play through 8 scales, the easy ones, as well as the open string metronome set at 60 exercise and had no problems. When I tried to play Schroeder #40 I was suddenly very weak in the right arm and hand and so put the cello back in it's cradle. Will try again tomorrow.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Home from the hospital today after chemo #2. First practice went well; played Schroeder #40 well and decent on gigue from Suite 3. Later in the day the practice didn't go as well; I had some swelling issues around the site where the IV went into my right arm (unfortunately, the powerPort can't do everything) and so I used the heating pad. Didn't seem to help much, but will keep working on it. Back is also bothering me. Maybe I'm expecting too much after just getting out of the hospital????? Probably. Will try to ease into things tomorrow. Planning on at least a 30 minute lesson 5 days down the road, so will need to get things ready.

Just love twirling those Zen Health Balls around in my right hand. Need to work on the counter clockwise motion, but have clockwise down pat!! Will return B's Zen Health balls to her at Friday's lesson.

Monday, Tuesday, March 22 and 23, 2010

Practice went really well Monday. Am also playing the second part of the Bouree, separate bowing, not looking at the music. I'm hoping that I'll memorize the fingerings, or just feel them, and eventually be able to convert back to the way it should be played. B told me I spend too much time obsessing over fingering; if I let the natural inclination of the fingering take over I would probably do better, so I am sort of trying this with the Bouree. Right now every note on the sheet music has a fingering noted; should try to get away from that. Maybe I should get out a clean copy of the Bouree, make sure the slurs are correct and play it with no fingering noted; might be interesting!

Am practicing in very small segments, about 15 to 20 minutes about 8 to 10 times each day. Will really miss my cello when I go to the hospital tomorrow.

Weekend, March 19--21, 2010

Adaptive "toys" B loaned me seem to work. I love the little Zen Balls and like the tinkling noise they make as I rotate them in my right hand. B said to rotate them in different directions; the direction that is the hardest is the direction I should really be working the most on. I ordered a set of Zen Balls from Amazon so I can give B back her balls. I am also rotating them in the left hand. I think these will be a good tool to use on a regular basis.

The cats claw also seems to work. Nerf ball is also helpful. Will be interesting to see if I have problems playing following the 2nd chemotherapy session; am expecting to have back pain following the Lunesta injection which has to follow the chemotherapy (to increase blood counts for the interim period.)

Schroeder #40 is going well and as long as I play the gigue really slow, it sounds OK also. The first 8 Klengel scales are sounding really good; guess I should mix them up a bit and use some slurs and different combinations instead of half notes.

Have also been doing the open string metronome set at 60 exercise in order to get some strength back into my right hand.

Friday, February 26, 2010

After lesson, worked on music for upcoming concert. Played better than a few days earlier, though I really do need to concentrate on the Haydn Finale today. Various tests, dr. visits, etc. are lining up so that I should be able to make rehearsal the next two Monday evenings and the concert on March 9th. Have an MRI earlier in the day, March 9th, but will dress in concert clothes and have the cello packed and ready to go.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Transferred bowing and fingering to enlarged sheet music. Played better today than yesterday but still have some catch-up. In any case, I'll work on Schroeder #39, Bach Bouree and Gigue for the next week's lesson. Was very rusty on orchestra music for our spring classical concert, but there are two weeks before I have to get that completely up to speed. Will spend most of practice time on Haydn Finale as the cello part is somewhat exposed toward the end.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Today is the day I attempt to get back into a practice routine. The pain is still bad but I'm hoping the music will help me get beyond it. Sunday I played the first 8 scales and actually sounded good. I enlarged my lesson music and my orchestra concert music yesterday; will need to transfer bowing and fingerings to the large sheets but I am hopeful that this will make it easier for me to see the music. I haven't noticed any improvement in my vision, but this is only the first week post hbot.

I am scheduled for a lesson Friday and have every intention of making it and playing well. I also plan on resuming one orchestra rehearsal on Monday, March 1st, as husband said he would drive me to practice until I am completely off the pain meds. Our spring, all classics concert is scheduled for March 9th and I need all the rehearsal time I can get before then.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

It's been a rough week for practice. Did hbot over the weekend as well as all week in order to catch up with missed treatments and have been really tired. Will have my last, #30 treatment on Monday the 15th. That will give me one free day and I plan to get back to my Master Gardener Plant Clinic duties that morning; really miss that.

Dr. informed me this week that I'll need to go back into hbot following the major surgery, so I guess I'm going to get to know the nurses and technicians even more. They are a remarkable team!

Also, my eyesight continues to deteriorate. Driving is iffy, must be very careful. As long as I can move the music close to my face and have a lot of light, I can usually play the cello.

Some of the Schroeder pieces are just too small to read and I'm having problems reading the required fingering. At least #39 is repetitious; once I get the first passage figured out I can usually play the next. Having problems with most of the runs; 8th note followed by 4-16th notes and then 6-16th notes. So, will go to my lesson Friday and get input on everything I'm doing wrong and have two weeks to make corrections. I've been taking Schroeder to hbot and studying it during the two dives; I'm sure the nurses and technicians must think I'm nuts.

Also, reading the Cambridge Companion to the Cello which is pretty interesting; one thing about being stuck in a hbo chamber for two hours every morning, you do tend to read things that you'd never read at home; too many distractions at home.

Surgery is next Wed., the 17th. Will miss the next lesson but am hopeful that I'll be OK for the following week. Dr. assures me this surgery will be similar to the Dec. surgery. (Mandible debridement as well as first cutting out all the hyperactive tissue swelling in my mouth; will be very glad to get rid of all that tissue.) Still don't know when the major jaw reconstruction surgery will be. Probably looking at sometime in April. I am hopeful that it will allow me time to get back to second orchestra in time for the July concert.

I am hoping to get back to at least one of the orchestras as husband has offered to drive me to Monday night rehearsals until my eyesight improves. We have a Spring Concert in March that I hope to participate in.

I've also been working on the second page of the Bach Third Cello Suite gigue and have decided I don't like it at all. I love the first page; second page is like a completely different piece. I'm not playing it well, which doesn't help, but even if I could play it decently, I still would not like it. I need to listen to Yo Yo Ma's CD and try to figure out why I dislike this so much. Not even sure I like the "boot stomp" section of this gigue.

Cello Lesson, March 19, 2010

Lesson today was just 30 minutes as B and I both didn't think I should stress out my back. Accomplished a lot in 30 minutes though.

Fortunately, by now and with all the work on scales, the previous issues with the right hand and bow grip were a little better than earlier in the week.

B loaned me some heavy balls (2) which I should practice rolling around in my right hand. Also, some kind of strange soft plastic which I fit my fingers in and exercise them; sort of the reverse of squeezing the nerf ball.

Work on the windshield wiper exercise, just make sure to hang on to the bow.

Set metronome at 60 and play open strings; no higher than an 8 count.

Schroeder #20 went well; played as well during the lesson as I had at home earlier (unusual for me!).

Also will continue to work on #40. B changed the bowing; all the long runs are two up-bows followed by separate bowing; except for some which are played as written. Should have time to work this up in two weeks. Will miss next Friday as will still be in the hospital with 2nd chemotherapy treatment.

Saturday, March 20

Worked with the "Zen Balls" and they seem to help the flexibility in the

right hand. Not sure about the "Cat's Claws: but

they seem to work the opposite of the nerf ball.

Changed all the bowing on Schroeder #40; will work on both

pages; should be easier to play with all the

detached bowing.

Chemotherapy and Related Issues

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Had an appt. with a speech pathologist this morning. She checked how well I ate various types of foods (did fine) as well as water. Had many recommendations.

Do mouth opening exercises; first apply a warm washcloth to affected jaw area for about 5 minutes; SLOWLY open moth as wide as can and hold for 5 seconds. Do 20 times. Do throughout the day.

Recommended Carnation Instant Breakfast 560 (calories). Comes only in vanilla. Pharmacy at MD Anderson was out but ordered a case for me; will pick up when I have Dr. appt. on Thursday.

Recommended seeing the dietician as she would have many food/eating suggestions.

Talked about possibly renting a Dinasplint; will have to talk to Dr. Schellenberger about this as it may be too much for the jaw.

My mouth opens 25 mm; 40 is normal.

I will see her again after jaw reconstruction surgery; all appears to be as well as can be expected right now.

Nothing much to do about bad breath other than what I'm already doing; is dying bone that is causing bad breath.

On Thursday I have two dr appts. Dr. Tseng at 11:45 and Dr. Schellenberger at 1:45. Dr. Tseng is usually not too late with appointments so is good that her appt. is first. Will probably wait forever for next appt. Will pick up the Carnation drink between appointments.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Took it a bit easier today and am not as tired. Did some yard work, weeding mainly, and tomorrow afternoon will "instruct" Phil in planting the two roses Emily won for me in the Rose Society raffle. Herb/patio garden is really looking nice; I enjoy watering the garden each day; gives me something easy to do outside. Phil will also do some major weeding tomorrow in the rose area. Am getting a lot of really pretty roses and the foliage also looks great. Thrips haven't hit them yet.

Still on hydrocodone pain meds for pain in late afternoon and evening. Will drive tomorrow to my cello lesson so need to stop the pain medication early in the morning.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Seem more tired than usual today; may have overdone it with trip to Home Depot, planting herbs and perennials, walking Basil, practicing cello; may have been too much. Had scrambled eggs and soft toast for lunch and ate without too many problems. Still drinking three Ensure a day though. Paulette brought over some tapioca pudding and will have some of that with my dinner later today. Should go down easy.

Phil is watching Precious; I can't watch it; don't know why but can't get into the movie.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Slept well last night. Still on a pretty much liquid diet; will have 3 Ensures, 2 yogurts and soup for my meals. Dr. Schellenberger's office called with an appointment with the speech therapist next Tuesday morning at 7:30/8:00 am. Said it would last 1 hour.

Worked a lot around the house today and also got some yard work done. Weeding in the herb garden and getting some containers ready for various basil plantings; maybe after dropping Emily off at Kaylee's birthday party I can run over to Palmer's Nursery and buy some basil. Phil bought some rose dirt and will plant the two roses I won in Rose Society raffles.

Pain isn't too bad today.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Home from the hospital about 3 pm today. Surgery went well; some pain but hopefully that will pass in a few days. Would have been home earlier but issues with going to the bathroom kept me in longer. Will be on a soft and liquid diet for a few days, but hopefully will be able to eat better and put on some weight.

Played some scales, OK, when I came home; will start back practicing tomorrow especially the easy Bach pieces.

Have an appt. with Dr. Schellenberger next Thursday at 1:45.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Left early for appt. for pre-surgery testing as there was a major water outage on Orange Avenue just south of Gore. Got there really early, but they took us early also.

I'm getting to know these people and they me. Connie, very nice anesthesia nurse told me about a new greek yogurt with 14 g of protein; Chobani. Picked some up from Publix on the way home; is GREAT!!!

Weight is still going down and is worrisome. Am up to 4 Ensures and day and will add some of this yogurt. Should be better after surgery.

Phil sat in with all the tests, etc. and was probably less bored than usual.

This afternoon, after walking Basil, called the speech therapist appt. line. She was able to set up something for me when I am in the hospital tomorrow. Will do an evaluation at that time to see if I need their services. I would think Yes.

Am packed and ready to go. Alarm is set for 3:40 am as either the water line will be fixed or we will be early enough to avoid any traffic problems. We have to be there at 5 am for a 7:30 am surgery time; first of the day for Dr Schellenberger, or so they tell me. Goodbye tissue.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Easter was WONDERFUL!!! Great visit; best day I've had in ages. Laurie had some concoction called a cake smoothie that she whipped up with mix, milk and ice cubes. Was wonderful; she sent me home with the rest of the mix. Comes from one of these in-home food sale organizations.

Peggy "styled" my wig though it didn't need much; looked pretty good though I really don't know how often I'll wear it; glad it was only $40. Had a burst of energy when we got home and even managed to watch "Pacific" (not nearly as good as Band of Brothers, but maybe that's because my dad and most of my relatives fought in ETO).

Major eating problems; pretty much limited to ENSURE. So, this morning I tried to make an appt. with the speech pathologist at MD Anderson as I know I will eventually need some type of feeding tube, whether stomach or nose. My weight is getting down, so I will try and drink at least 4 ENSURE each day. Hopefully, after the tissue removal surgery Wed. morning, I'll be eating regular food and can begin to put some pounds back on.

Was told that I couldn't schedule an appt. with the speech therapist but that my Dr. had to do so. I actually thought Dr. Tseng did that last month, but guess not. The lady I talked to was going to check into things and call me back this afternoon.

I am considering calling the mental health counselor also. I checked out a book called Distress and Cancer that had some checklists type quizzes. I scored OK and am not feeling as bad as what some patients must feel like, based on the test questions, but I'm thinking it might not hurt to have someone with a mental health background at my disposal down the road. Of course, this is probably something I can't do myself, but must get Dr. Tseng to schedule in which case I'll get her on it when I see her the end of the week.

Saturday and Sunday, April 3 and 4, 2010

Stopped all post chemo meds, as instructed by Dr. Rostofer and Dr. Shaw, and SLOWLY am feeling slightly better, less chemo lethargy. Sat. and Sunday took dog walks which always makes me feel better; weather is great here; mild and no driving wind to whip my turban off my head. Sunday we are going to our dear friends, the Sparks for Easter dinner, which will feature all soft things this year. I should manage with the baked potato soup and the banana pudding. Had ENSURE a few minutes ago, so I won't have to eat if I can't. Am pretty much limited to ENSURE and so am looking forward to the tissue removal surgery on Wed. mornings (5 am arrival; surgery is set for 7 am; first of the day and hopefully home the same day).

For evening "pain" which in my case is more discomfort, I've been using Hydrocodene and for day time, a small dose of liquid Tylenol (am off Advil until the surgery).

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Saw Dr. Schell....... this morning; he will remove all the excess tissue in my mouth around my mandible on Wed. April 7th. Surgery is scheduled for 4:30 pm and I have to be at MD Anderson by 2 pm. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before, though the nurse "secretly" told me I could have something up to 12 hours before. This will be either an out patient procedure or possibly overnight. As it is a Wed., I don't think it will affect my cello lesson which is on Friday; will wait and see and let B know either way.

Will be good to get the tissue removed as it is very uncomfortable.

The drooling seems better today; I'm thinking it takes as many days as you are in chemo to get over feeling crappy after chemo, which means I have until Thursday. Played scales this afternoon as well as the open string, metronome exercise at 60. No Problem but when I tried to go to Schroeder #40, there were problems so I put the cello back in it's cradle. Knock on wood, but still not back pain from the nulesta injection yesterday.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Came home from the hospital this late morning. Round 2 of chemo was a bit rougher than round 1; my fault as I didn't keep on the times for the two different anti-nausea drugs. ALSO, nurse Carmen noticed late in the cycle that brought on the nausea, that the flow rate of the chemo was faster; I finished almost 3 hours before I was supposed to finish. That combined with negligence on the drugs were probably what caused the problem.

Once the drugs are in my system, things were OK. Unfortunately, I sort of got behind the system and never fully recovered, though the remaining day and a half were basically OK. Very hard to eat this time; will insist on better food and take some of the dark chocolate ENSURE with me to drink. In fact, I'll go have one right now!! Am back, with my ENSURE. Overall, boredom is the main thing about the chemo stay. For round #3 I plan to build a spreadsheet to keep me and the nurses on track with the meds.

There is also a third drug, which starts with the letter F which I need to look into using. It causes drowsiness so they don't give as much.

Paulette's T-shirts were a hit; Carmen, my favorite nurse, thought there would be a market because it would allow patients to wear their own clothes and wouldn't be expensive because Paulette would only need to charge for labor and shipping and the actual velcro and strip material. These really worked well!!! Yea for Paulette!!!

Played cello shortly after arriving home and did not have same problems as last time. Perhaps the various adaptive techniques B suggested worked as well as the Zen Health Balls which I really love; love to roll them in my right hand and am getting better at rolling them the opposite way.

Played Schroeder 40 and first part of gigue for Bach Suite III. Both sounded OK, though not my best which I will work up to for Friday's lesson. Will give B the new cello handbook at that time. Will also play the C G and D scales from Emily Whitaker's cello handbook.

This afternoon I think I discovered what was bothering my cello playing, I think; the right arm is slightly swollen where the IV was in (they needed an IV in addition to the PowerPort). Nurses suggested using a heating pad, which I've done, to help the swelling go down. Will see if this helps. I noticed a difference in playing from when I came home to just a while ago when the swelling was more noticeable.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

MD Anderson called and I am supposed to be there at 10 am this morning. Hopefully that means the chemo will start early and I will get home early; probably late Saturday or early Sunday.

Wig came yesterday; looks OK though I don't know how much I'll wear it. Peggy shaved my head and surprise surprise!! I have a decent looking shaved head. All agreed that my head has a good shape; still is hard to get used to looking at it though. It is a little scratchy but I found it best to sleep without any hat on last night. You don't realize how warm hair is; my head is really cold. Will take three or four different head things with me to the hospital; my favorite is the first one Phil bought for me at the pharmacy at MD Anderson; fits the best and is the warmest. Of course, if the weather ever warms up, it may be too hot.

Practiced my scales, Schroeder #40 and the gigue this morning. Hopefully I won't have the right hand bow grip issues like I did after the first chemo.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Will get my head shaved this morning at 10 am. Started falling out in big chunks yesterday; slept with a little cap on my head last night to keep hair off the pillow. Wig hasn't come yet, but that shouldn't be a problem as I don't plan on wearing the wig as much as all the head scarfs, etc.

Will call the in patient booking nurse today to find out what time I need to show up at MD Anderson. Began packing this morning. Paulette will drop off the second top with the velcro arms today on her way to the Plant Clinic.

March 17, 2010

Am undergoing 4 chemotherapy sessions for cancer of the mandible. First was March 3rd to March 6th. Went better than I expected though was not exactly a walk in the park. Very boring actually as long as they keep the anti-nausea drugs coming on a regular basis.

Following chemotherapy I have about 2 weeks at home to recuperate and regain strength. Unfortunately I got an infection and spent 4 days in the hospital building up my blood counts. All seems to be OK now, knock on wood.

My friend Peggy cut my hair really short this morning. I've noticed some of has begun to fall out, but nothing major. The short cut, which actually looks good, should make the hair loss less traumatic. I've ordered a wig online, $40, as well as various hats, scarfs, etc.

Paulette has taken two old baggy T-shirts and is going to adapt the arm areas with velcro so that I can wear them during chemo. This should be more comfortable than always wearing a hospital gown.

All my friends are trying to find something to do to help. There really isn't much. Especially with food; it is not that easy to eat and I keep telling friends not to bring me food as I would hate to not be able to eat what they brought.

I've been mainly eating soft, slippery types of food. Macaroni N' Cheese, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, various soups, oatmeal, TONS of dark chocolate Ensure (pretty good), milkshakes, are just a few of the staples of my current diet. I need to put some weight back on. Currently I weight about 113 to 115 depending on when I weigh myself. Would like to get back to about 125 pounds.

I've got about 6 days before heading back to MD Anderson for round 2. Need to start thinking about what to pack and how to pack it. Last two hospital trips I had way too much stuff by the time I left the hospital; I started out good, but seemed to keep accumulating stuff. By the time I was ready to leave it took 2 people to carry out stuff.

This next time I will use a small carryon as my only hospital bag. Should hold everything and be easier to deal with.

Some must haves for the hospital stay:

IPOD and dock

Kindle loaded with "trashy" fiction to pass the time; wireless connection is fantastic at MD Anderson

Suduko

DVD; will take the entire Anne of Green Gables series for round 2; the Family Room has about 100 Videocassettes so should be able to find something

Water Pic

Non skid slippers

Couple of magazines

Green Medical diary to keep track of everything

Toothpaste, mouthwash, salt, body wash or wipes, eye glass cleaners

extra socks

extra underwear, enough for double the time spent (not to be indelicate but you never know what hospital meds, etc. will cause your intestinal system to come up with, or come out with that is a surprise; better safe than sorry!)

two adapted big, baggy T-shirts with velcro arm openings

two or three lounge slacks

yellow but cushion, just in case; I spend too much time sitting while in the hospital

Kleenix and

VERY IMPORTANT, Good, home style toilet paper (the hospital tp is like sandpaper; plan to take rolls that are 2/3 finished so they fit into the hospital bathroom despencer.

Emily Wright's New Book: A Modern Cellist's Manual

Just ordered two copies of Wrights' new book, A Modern Cellist's Manual. One copy is for B. Can't wait to get the book; it shipped out today. I'm hoping it comes before I head back to the hospital. The reviews appear to be fantastic. I love her blog and know the book will be a great help. I was impressed that I received an automatic thank you from EW.

Told B that if the book comes in before Wed. I'll try to get
her copy to her. Am really excited about the book. I think her blog has helped me be a better cello student; not that I think I could ever be one of the "nightmare" students you read about, but it is important to be able to see things from the teacher's side of the fence as well as from the student side. It is too bad that adult students tend to get a bad rap, though in many cases, I'm sure it is well deserved.

So, I think I am looking forward as much to the "musing" of EW as to the technique advice.

Monday, March 22, 2010

My two copies of the book arrived today. At first look, I LOVE the pictures; so much better than in any of my other manuals. It's amazing what a difference color makes when trying to illustrate a point with a photograph. I know this is a book I will be referring to frequently.

Chemotherapy Affects Cello

I have been home from the hospital almost a week and a half following the first of four chemotherapy sessions. Prior to session #1 I was playing OK; no effects. Following chemotherapy I've noticed a definite decline in playing, especially problems with the bow grip. My overall right arm seems to have gone to sleep; it is very difficult to grip the bow properly, to hang on to the bow and to make a decent sound.

Attempted a rehearsal with St. Cloud and had to leave early as I had major back problems associated with an Lunesta injection, following completion of the first chemo treatment, and a general inability to play the music. This was VERY distressful as I wondered if this would be permanent and whether I'd be able to keep playing in my orchestras.

Will have a lesson Friday; B has emailed me ideas to strengthen the bow grip and entire right arm/hand issue. Lesson will be 30 minutes instead of usual hour as I don't think I could sit still or play for an hour without major back problems. She also has some adaptive things we will try tomorrow.

Went back to an earlier Schroeder, #20, and have had some luck in playing it as it is easier. Will try playing easy scales tomorrow.

Did fly casting exercise on all open strings.

Playing the first page of Klengel scales has really helped today. Will only play these as I can concentrate on right hand issues and not worry too much about correct fingering. Played 3 or 4 times already today and each time felt stronger.

Am also trying to work on the first part of the gigue in the 3rd cello suite. This is still pretty rough but gives me something to strive for. Having some problems with up and down bowings, but marked all the up bows in bright red so maybe that will help.

Cello Lesson, February 26, 2010

Lesson was an extra 30 minutes as B, B and I played trios. Great fun and we sounded pretty good. Matz trios are easy, but with 3 cellos, the sound was good.

Actual lesson was OK, especially considering I hadn't practiced as much as usual. Played Schroeder #39 and Bach Bouree and first part of Gigue from 3rd Cello Suite.

Schroeder

I was playing too much over the fingerboard; need to pay more attention to that. Also, my bow was too tight; must have tightened it twice or something. Need to also pay attention to thumb on right hand; I'm not bending it correctly at the first knuckle. Look at Potter, page 23 for correct right hand configuration.

Go back to working on bow distribution exercises; Metronome set at 60; count 12, 8, 4 and pay attention to thumb and grip. Throughout the Schroeder, the F# were not high enough. Can use the whole bow in this exercise.

Will continue to fine tune #39 but can also go on to #40 and either #41 or #42.

Bouree

Need to play more gracefully. Need to pay attention to where the bow is and get it off the fingerboard. Thumb must be in the crook when playing in 4th position. B suggested that I only write in fingerings when I am shifting to notes. Don't write in every fingering. I may play better without all the numbers cluttering up the music. I've been doing this with orchestra music; now must do it with lesson music.

On second Bouree, watch intonation; because this is played primarily on the D string the fingers will be closer together than if played in first position. This is especially important toward the top of the fingerboard.

Gigue

Make sure to ring the note in the bootstrap section. Use flycasting. Try singing the melody and then matching the bowing to the melody.

Will not have a lesson next Friday, March 5th as I'll still be in the hospital finishing up the first go round of chemotherapy.

Bach Suite III Gigue

Love the first page of the gigue; jury is still out on page two. B indicated it is supposed to be more cerebral, but I'm just not sure I like it.

Have all the correct bowings from B.

Page 1

Make sure to slur the string crossings and be smooth; I was too jerky. In the "boot strap" section, lift the bow back to the frog for maximum effect. Use 1/2/4 in top line chord, not 1/3/4.

Pull the slurs in "boot strap"

Use flycasting techniques. Move the bow a lot, but don't spend much time on the strings.

Page 2

Hopefully as I play better this will begin to appeal to me. Fixed the bowings to match what B has in her music. In top line, E, CG chord, E, play C as a "heroic C" and make sure to use lots of bow and skip the bow. Can start the string crossing section (both pages) slowly and then build up speed.

Cello Lesson, February 12, 2010

Lesson wasn't quite as horrible as I assumed it would be, but definitely not one of my better ones. Someday I will feel good again, and get back to regular practice, etc. Also, rainy, ugly day never helps!

Played Schroeder #39 very slow. Had problems, as expected. B indicated the staccato notes don't really need to be all that staccato as I am playing in the upper half of the bow. On second page, 2nd line from bottom of page, play almost like a 1-4-3 chord and move the thumb back in order to get better intonation. This repeats three times.

Suggested trying to play in front of a mirror; maybe I can get Emily to hold one in front of my left hand; don't watch bowing in the mirror though as it will be distorted.

OK to use more bow in the longer runs. Pull the bow. Will keep working on this the next two weeks. Hopefully my eyesight will improve soon; last hbot is Monday the 15th.

Will keep working on the gigue; second page was a bit more likable today as B played it, but still like the first page better. Top line, E, CG chord, E, make sure the low C is very heroic! Skip back up and use lots of bow. Changed the bowing slightly in my version to match B's version and will work on that. I'm thinking of trying to find a large print version of the Bach Cello Suites; would probably be expensive, but would definitely be easier for me to read and mark up.

No lesson next week due to surgery. Will continue to work on Schroeder #39, gigue, and possibly go to Courette of the third suite.

Finished off with some duets; lots of fun; really like playing duets!

Cello Technical Key

Have been toying with the idea of working on a cello technical key. This would be sort of like what we use in the Master Gardener program for plants/taxonomy. Ask a question, or pose a situation, and then depending on what the answer is, go to a specific numbered response where you either get the answer, or you are asked more questions until you eventually get to the right response. I actually think I could use this type of aid and the actual preparation of the key would be the best education experience possible! Not sure what format would work best; possibly a table?? Online on the blog or just in in word program?? I've seen similar type tables online, but mine would be more specific to my needs.

Thought about this a couple of years ago, but I don't think I was proficient enough (not that I am now) at the time to really pose the questions/issues. Something B said in yesterday's lesson reminded me of the technical key though. It was in Schroeder #39 where she indicated I needed to treat the D, G, F# runs (which repeat three times, hence three times to either screw them up or get them right) more as a chord and to move the thumb back closer to the left hand. I'm thinking that type of technique would be what I could include in the key; maybe not that specific, but a bit more generic.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Friday, February 12, 2010

DSO (my former hometown orchestra) came to Orlando (Northland Distributed Church) last night as part of their Florida tour. Too bad we couldn't give them better weather.

They were EXQUISITE!!! I was so proud of them.

Wasn't sure going in how I would feel about the relatively modern music they played, but found that I loved the Concertato for "Moby Dick" by Peter Mennin. You could hear/feel the ocean waves and sense the whale.

Cellist, Sol Gabetta was absolutely wonderful. Beautiful young women (I think she is 27 or 28) but played beyond her years. Reminded me of Jacqueline Du Pre, not that I have any basis to make the comparison other than the movie "Jackie and Hillary", but her mannerisms seemed similar. She played Barber's Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 22. I would have preferred Dvorak or Haydn, but was OK. I think Phil slept through the Andante movement.

I had binoculars with me, fortunately, as my eyesight is horrible from hbot and was able to watch, up-close and personal the entire cello concerto. Loved her dress (darkish aqua and a beautiful copper color that matched her cello perfectly). She seemed to have a nice connection with the first violinist.

In spite of loving the cellist, highlight was the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27. Will buy this on iTunes or CD. It was such a pleasure to hear this orchestra. They were flawless, expressive. Leonard Slatkin was very easy to follow and doesn't seem to suffer any affects from his heart attach last year.

Northland Distributed Church is a beautiful facility/venue. Tons of room, very friendly feel. Not real sure about the acoustics for this type of concert; sure it is great for church services, etc. but the sound seemed slightly muffled. Seating was really strange. Our tickets were not numbered to correspond to the actual seat numbers, so it took Phil and I awhile to find our seats as we were not seated next to our friends. Next year, all the Festival of Orchestra venues will be here; still haven't decided if I want to get a season subscription (not after horrible Moscow State Radio Orchestra experience)!

Only negative was the bleeding episode I had at the beginning of the intermission; think I got too excited about Sol Gabetta and was talking too much to my friends. Fortunately I was able to get into a "family style" bathroom and get the bleeding under control. Got some strange looks from fellow attendees as I kept a wash cloth to my mouth (hopefully fairly discreetly) during the second half. OK now; will take it easy this weekend; not too much talking and keep the dial setting lower on my water pic as I'm sure that didn't help. Really glad the surgery is coming up next week.

Vibrato

YouTube Vibrato rec. by B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_w6Z0d3u64

Alan Harris Cello Vibrato Tips

(note the typewriter)

Helpful video; will revisit

Large Print Sheet Music

Will attempt to enlarge, probably triple, the first and third Bach Cello Suites today at Office Depot. Hopefully it won't cost a fortune. This should help me "read" the music for the next few months.

Will also triple the size of certain runs in Schroeder #39 and that should also help.

Success!!! Went to Office Depot and enlarged the 1st and 3rd Cello Suites as well as Schroeder #39 to a 14 x 17 size. What a difference!! I can actually read the notes. This should make the next couple of weeks a lot easier to deal with. After the surgery, I'll go back and enlarge the next 10 or so Schroeder pieces; hopefully that will get me through the temporary eyesight problems.

Will hold off on bowing in the 1st Suite until I look at B's version; will use her bowing. Will be able to transfer all of my bowing from the 3rd Suite.

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier. I am probably looking at 4 or 5 months of diminished eyesight due to hbot. And, it only cost $3.00 to do those pages today.

Cello Lesson, February 5, 2010

This was a rough week for practice as I had some medical problems and lost 2 days. Also, my eyesight has been affected by the HBOT and it is beginning to affect mid range vision. Noticed it while attempting to play the middle 8 scales and couldn't read the fingerings. Schroeder #38 was also hard to read. No problems with the Bach gigue as the music was larger.

Lesson: just played the first page of the gigue to get B's input. Didn't play too horribly. Slurred areas need to be smoother. Second note in my copy is solo C; B said to make a chord: C G E C as it is written in her copy. Will write that in.

The boot strap section (my favorite) needs to be more smoothly slurred. Use the flycasting technique, move the bow a lot but it is not on the string much (this is in the 3 downbeat notes).

Very embarrassing to find out that I was not slurring the string crossing, mid page. Will work on that.

Rest of the lesson was spent in sight reading (which I really like to do); was a fun lesson and I left feeling a little better about my playing than the last couple of lessons.

For next lesson, February 12th, will go on to Schroeder #39. The musical type is small but it appears to be very repetitious so maybe I won't have too many vision problems with it. Watched YouTube of this; I will play about 10 times slower. Had problems seeing the music this evening, so I will hopefully do better playing during the day with more light.

Will also start on second page of the gigue. I've been listening to Yo Yo Ma's recordings of the Third Cello Suite to get a sense of how it should sound. I used the same type of bowings B drew in for the first page of the gigue; hopefully these are accurate.

Bach Cello Suites: J.S. Bach, Pablo Casals and the Search for a Masterpiece

Great book and fun to read while beginning work on the 3rd suite. I'm on the 6th chapter/suite. Will keep this book on my Kindle and not move it to the archive section as I can see myself referring back to the book. Especially love the parts on Casals. Wonder if they could make this into a movie??? Might be very interesting to juxtapose the Bach/Casals/author narratives. I think it would work!

January 29, 2010 Cello Lesson

Played Schroeder #38. As expected, I will take one more week to tweak this piece. Following comments from B:

Intonation not the greatest; many of the low D's were out of tune

Slow down

Use the thumb to help hit the correct notes; second page, top line and third line where I was having problems. Line 1: 3rd measure E flat; Line 3: first measure D

When playing on the C and G string, the thumb can be more under the A and D strings

In line 4 (second page) use a D drone from the metronome to make sure the low D is in tune; also use flycasting technique for the low D in order to get the rest of the notes in

Need to apply more weight when playing the low D

Play at the tip for the 8 notes in order to have enough bow for the 16th notes

Make the 16th notes smoother

TRY THIS: Start upbow and see if the bowing is easier.

Make sure my fingers are not flat; should be slightly bowed

Use the thumb to hit correct notes.

Also played Bach Suite III, Bouree I and II

In I, still not watching the dynamics; also played too fast

In II, play pianissimo throughout. Make sure the bow travels and make sure to use the whole bow. Make sure that Bouree I and Bouree II are very different in style. Be more confident.

Put fingers down firmly when playing.

For next week, will continue to work on Bouree I and II but will also work on the first part of the Gigue. B wrote in fingerings, bowings, etc. No staccato where she slurred the bowing.

Practice

I've almost memorized Bouree II and that combined with the slower tempo (60) has seemed to really help. I'm able to concentrate on tone quality, fingerings, dynamics (though most of the piece is pianissimo) and bowing. The squeaking in Bouree I is still driving me nuts; it is always in the same place(s) so it seems like I should be able to correct myself. Will keep working on this. The fly casting exercise seems to help as I am hearing many of the notes "ring."

Schroeder #38 is going OK. I like the piece and will work to get it up to tempo as soon as I get more comfortable with the notes.

I plan to take Schroeder with me to HBO treatment tomorrow and try to visualize myself playing it well. Maybe if I do this every morning I will see a difference. I can also use the time to pencil in the notes for the upcoming pieces which are in tenor and treble clef, though I've noticed that my eyesight is starting to get worse (they warned me about this and it is temporary).

January 22, 2010 Cello Lesson

Played Schroeder #37 for the last time for a lesson. Started out OK, but then went back to previous bad habits.

Played Schroeder #38 for the first time (up to the fermata). Instead of playing at the point, B said to play between point and mid bow. This should make #38 more manageable. Play attention to the dynamics in the piece. In the long crescendo at the top of the second page, subdivide the measures from p to ff in order to gradually play louder. Make sure to leave enough bow to play the 16th notes. Let the bow continue through the air.

Bouree I and II

As expected, played both horribly. Earlier in the week I was doing OK with them, but as of late Wed. I noticed a definite decline in the quality.

In addition to every other comment about I and II:

I am playing too fast; set tempo at 60 and see if that helps. Use fly casting techniques, which we went over during the lesson, to help keep the bow moving and make the notes ring. The bow needs to keep traveling in the air. Start I closer to the frog (about 4 to 5 inches). In measures 4 and 5, play the C/G part of the chord almost as part of the G in measure 4.

Bouree II was especially terrible. Hopefully the slower tempo will help me.

Exercises to work on this week:

Flycasting: (straighten my elbow)

Vibrato: (fast, barely touching the string between first and fourth positions and then gradually slowing down)

Dynamics: On an open string, play softest up to loudest

Hopefully when I start feeling better my lessons will improve as will my overall practicing and playing in general.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy "Things They Don't Tell You"

Though this is a blog detailing my cello lessons, a big part of my cello playing lately has revolved around my health and my daily hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

While talking with my fellow divers this morning it occurred to me that no one really told me what to expect during the actual dives. Other divers concurred with this. So during the dive today, I decided to jot down everything I could think of that might be helpful to someone going through this therapy.

You need to be ready to go about 30 minutes before the dive begins so that vital signs, etc. can be taken. It is very annoying to be on time and have the same divers show up "late" every morning and hold up the beginning of the dive.

The nurses tend to downplay the importance of nose spray, but use it. It can't hurt and it beats having problems pressurizing.

During the first 10 minutes make sure you yawn, swallow, blow through your ears, whatever it takes to clear your ears. If you can't clear they have to take the chamber back to regular oxygen levels (like they did this morning) and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cycle through this again. A real pain.

The first dive is 45 minutes. If you are going to have any nausea, it will be during the first dive. I haven't had problems, but others have thrown up. It is a good idea to have a dry, dull breakfast before the dive. I've even noticed the difference in mornings when I had oatmeal for breakfast compared with mornings I had scramble eggs. This dive seems to last forever.

After 45 minutes we have a 10 minute snack break. I have 2 saltine packets and drink lots of water. It is still very loud in the chamber so no one talks except the technician (we have either Ernesto or David).

The final 45 minute dive seems to go by quicker than the first. During the last 10 minutes of this dive the technician breathes oxygen through some kind of regulator so that is a good indicator of how much time is left. Then comes the freezing time. The final 10 minutes or so in the chamber is freezing cold. At least the helmets and neck gadgets come off, but I need two blankets wrapped tightly to keep from freezing to death. It seems to take me a couple of hours to get my body back to a normal temperature.

The whole experience takes about 2 to 3 hours. I arrive at 7 am (or usually about 6:50). If we're lucky, we get the dive started on time at 7:30. This morning it was 8:00 am because the one new lady couldn't clear her ears and we had to start over. I'm usually in my car in the parking garage by 10 a.m. Of course, on days I have appts. or my cello lesson, we seem to go overtime.

You are told you can read; not actually true. You can read but it is very difficult to maintain reading due to the ripply plastic of the dive hood. I read a book with fairly large type size, but it is very tiring after awhile. It is easier to work on Suduko; my pages are large print. I also find it helps to pass the time if I write; almost anything will work.

It is hard to talk as the air pressure is really loud.

You can wear a watch and wedding band. The watch helps pass the time.

I find it helps to move around in the chair. The chair is not the most comfortable in the world; there is also a crate with a pillow you can prop your legs on. I find I am less nauseous if I keep my feet flat on the floor during dive 1. I'm afraid to nod off as I might fall out of the chair.

The other divers indicated that initially their wounds (diabetic) seemed to feel worse. This seemed to be my experience. I am on diver 13 as of today and am hopeful that in a couple of days I might feel some improvement (this is based on another divers experience; similar type of wound and she didn't feel any change until about diver 15; I've been told not to expect improvement until dive 20).

Make sure to go to the bathroom prior to entering the chamber. Sounds like common sense, but I've been told there have been occasions when divers have had to use either a tube (for the men) or a bed pan. Would not want to have that happen to me.

After two days I got my hair cut as it was always getting in the way of the neck ring. It still gets caught somewhat, but not as bad as before. Long hair also looks HORRIBLE coming out of the dive hood.

This may just be me, but I am usually somewhat exhausted for a couple of hours after each session. Don't know if it is the early morning sneaking up on me, or something in the extra oxygen. Another diver indicated she was nauseous for about 3 hours after each dive. The nurses indicated that everyone reacts differently to the treatment.

Notes on Bouree I and II During Hyperbaric Therapy

To help pass the 2 hours spent in the hyperbaric chamber every morning, this morning I jotted down everything I could think of related to Bouree I and II.

Bouree I

Overall: Keep the bow moving; use more bow, be fluid, place finger pads firmly on strings to avoid squeks. Bear down with the index finger when more pressure is needed.

Start mid bow, up bow, loud enough so the upcoming P is different. Combination of slurs and spicatto. Nail the C and the trill, F. Upbow again, MF followed by P, nail the G and all following. Make sure 6-9 is even and F. Repeat.

In the second section of Bouree I, start upbow, MF. In measures 12-14, make sure to hit the A,G#, F#. Bar the B and E which are played P. The next two measures are P, followed by F for two measures and then back to P. Make sure to play these dynamics as B indicated there was no difference in my dynamics last week. Make sure the repeat of 6 to 9 is played evenly; this time it is P, rather than F as it is in the first part. Watch the accents in the middle of this section. Think of Bouree I as a lively dance.

Bouree II

This is a dreamy, lazy dance. Even if the music indicates it, there is NO spicatto. I changed the 8 note slurs to 4 and 4, based on what some of the other copies of this music indicated. Hope this will be OK with B. The entire piece is mainly P and PP. Use the entire bow. Still need a lot of work on the fingerings. Try to remember to vibrato the quarter, half and doted half notes. The final chord can be played separate, but must be in tune; it is also P.

January 15, 2010 Cello Lesson

Schroeder #37

Prior to my lesson I watched this exercise on YouTube. Very impressive, though cellist's mannerisms were very annoying and detracted from the performance.

Watch intonation; if I suspect I am out-of-tune, fix immediately. Can play the notes separately to make sure each note is in tune.

Measures 18 and 33 are harmonics.

Can remove thumb from fingerboard to accurately play some of the more difficult extensions.

Overall, use the entire bow and make sure it is as smooth as possible!!!!!

B didn't mention, but when I practice this week, pay attention to the dynamics.

Did better in the second section than the first.

Will work on this for one more week. Will concentrate on the first two lines, memorize them in order to really pay attention to bowing and smooth transitions.

Bouree I

There is not enough difference in the dynamics. Keep the bow moving. Use index finger to help control the bow especially in 6-9 and 27-29. Make sure those sections are even and not skippy.

Overall, I is still too punchy; needs to be more fluid. Lots of squeaking; make sure fingers are firmly on the strings.

Bouree II

Recheck fingerings; should not be any fourth fingers played above the D on the D string.

Overall, use more bow.

Will stay in 2nd position throughout II.

Goals for 2010

Technical Issues

1. Vibrato: make vibrato a natural part of everything I play and continue to practice separate from any specific piece of music

2. Extensions: work on forward extensions and consistently play them as an extension and not as a shift

3. Use More Bow: pay attention to bow distribution

4. Smoother Bowing: become more fluid especially when changing strings

5. Fingers: Keep separate, don't bunch up; play slower music more on pad, faster music more on tips

6. Dynamics: Be aware and play accordingly

7. Tempo: Aim for consistency and use the metronome when practicing

8. Get rid of all pre-B bad habits: looking at fingerboard, playing on top of the fingerboard, stretching the cello away from body, pinky up in the air, bow not straight,etc. etc. etc.

Practice Issues

1. Aim for a minimum of 1 hour per day of practice.

2. At the beginning of every practice work on 8 scales.

3. Every practice will consist of scales, Schroeder and music.

4. Set up video camera and film snippets of music; critique.

Music Issues

Subject to B's approval, these are some pieces of music I would like to work on in 2010. In addition to these, anything assigned by B. Goal is to be open minded about all music and at least give it a chance.

1. Bach Suite III

2. Bach Suite I

3. Bach Arioso

4. Faure Sicilienne

5. Faure Elegy

6. Mendelssohn Song Without Words

7. Paradis Sicilienne

8. Squire Bouree (revisist)

Overall, play more in the tenor clef.

Get close to the end of Schroeder Book 1. This may be long term.

Miscellaneous Issues

1. cellistjournal.blogspot.com Maintain at least weekly updates to the blog. Make the blog an accurate record of my progress and lack thereof.

2. Become a "follower" on some of the cello blogs I frequently visit and begin interacting with some of the amateur cellists who appear to be close to me in skill.

3. Look into starting an amateur cellist organization in the Orlando area; look into using MeetUp format or other online way of communicating with other area cellists to enhance education opportunities. This may be long term and will probably have to wait until I recover from upcoming surgeries.

January 8, 2010 Cello Lesson

Today's lesson was the first in about a month (due to my surgery, recovery, etc.). Overall, it went better than I expected.

Played Schroeder, #37, Emily's Song. For next week I need to slur the measures and use MORE BOW throughout. Will need to work on smooth chord changes in each measure.

Also played the Bouree I and II from Bach's Suite III.

Bouree I: Make sure to show a difference in the dynamics. In measure 2, really hit the C and following chord. In measure 6 make sure to play evenly, and not like skipping. Overall, the dynamics need to reflect the importance of that portion of the music (this may not correspond to the dynamics listed on the music.)

In the second section of I there are a couple of measure that can be bracketed. In measure 27, play evenly. Make sure the final chord is in tune.

The Bouree II is very different from I. There should be no staccato (even if indicated in music). Should be seemless, a dream sequence, hazy, pastel tones, muted tones. Will be pianissimo throughout the piece. First time played, play in first position. In the repeat play in 2nd posistion. Will probably need to make, or get,a clean copy of this and write out the fingerings forthe repeat.