On Tuesdays I have two band practices: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Learning the saxophone at my age is a reminder of what linear algebra was like: I feel for Sisyphus. The hope is that pushing an immense boulder uphill is not pointless. It only feels that way when you can't get the rhythm right in a phrase; or you can get it right at half the tempo the bandleader plans for the concert tomorrow; or, you finally master it and imagine that there's a 2 bar rest following when there really is a complicated syncopation. Then you can't find your place as the band plays on.In between the band practices I have lunch at a small deli in Deep River. The lentil soup with chunks of roasted prociutto, the chicken and ramp soup, or yesterday's spring pea soup, also with real chicken stock are worth t
he detour. The meatball sandwich on home-made french bread would easily make a red "R" in the Michelin Guide. The other treat is that I run into some wonderful old friends of mine who make the same pilgrimage on Tuesdays.
1 comment:
Roger - I'm with you on trying to play an instrument upon retirement. Mine is the clarinet. The band is called an adult beginners band and I am far more adult than most of the others. Also still at beginner level. But "hiding" is overlooked and we have a good time.
Janet
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