If I had a prize...

[alanajoli]

The "guess what instrument Alana used to play" contest has resulted in a tie: Albone and Shawn were both equally close (but slightly too specific!). I was a percussionist from the ages of about eleven through eighteen, with some relapses here and there. I've trained on everything from snare drum to bass to vibraphone to marimba, and marched for several years with either the bells or the glockenspiel. Honestly, if I could afford to keep playing, I would--I loved creating music on those instruments, keyboard percussion and timpani in particular. When I think about the skill I used to have--all of which is now ten years out of practice, and am sad that I didn't make the opportunities to pursue them further. As it is, it's easier to carry around your equipment as a singer, and sadly, I haven't done much of that lately either.

One of my voice instructors, the illustrious (and influential on my life) director and composer Jerry Custer, made a point of saying how making music is good for the soul. I think telling stories is good for the soul, too--but perhaps I ought to make a bit more effort to try to do both!

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Wow, you played a lot of instruments in your time, I bet they all were fun and challenging. I don't think you're too far gone from being the musician you want to be, just takes time and practice. Music is good for the soul and is said to be the bridge between earth and heaven. That would explain heavy metal....

-Albone

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

That was the best part about being a percussionist--never getting bored! ;) I like the bridge between earth and heaven, but... I'm just not coordinated enough for heavy metal myself! I'm kind of a jazz girl by preference. ;)

[holmes-iv.livejournal.com]

You should join hellpossum in the Gamelan orchestra!

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

I haven't listened to a vast amount of Gamelan, but from what I have heard, I'm afraid it's beyond my musical understanding. ;)

[orryn-emrys.livejournal.com]

I am a musician first, and it has enriched my life in ways I may never be able to put into words. I've enjoyed the opportunity to become acquainted with numerous instruments over the years, though I am principally a blues guitarist.

That being said... I couldn't do percussion to save my life. Kudos for that!

[alanajoli.livejournal.com]

Blues guitar! Fabulous. I played a little guitar back in the day, but can't say I ever really took to it. My talents were much more in the direction of hitting things to their particular tonality than learning fingering, I suppose. ;)