Bob Hawkins

I appreciate (as I'm sure my fellow "new-member" Leo does) the words of welcome and advice by the several people who have replied to this post.... PeterT's concept of investing in a very high-end concertina as a practice-motivator was most enlightening. Many of your comments have reinforced my decision to skip purchasing a Stagi and go at once to a quality, intermediate concertina. As Richard pointed out, I hope to have the opportunity to see, listen to and perhaps try out several makes of quality instruments at Noel's school in August, with the intention of ordering one immediately after; hence the idea of finding a Stagi to rent. (I look forward to meeting you there, Richard). Samantha, I wish indeed that I could rent an intermediate concertina to use during Noel's school, but I have checked around and none are available. The nice folks at Button Box regretted that they didn't even have a Stagi to rent. But my observation that the people of this Forum are a unique crowd indeed has been proven by the fact that a Member has graciously offered to let me use his Stagi in preparation for, during and after the School, to include the time that it takes for me to receive my intermediate concertina. He lives a few hours away from me, and I hope to meet with him to pick up the Stagi in a week or two. What a generous gesture of support to a beginner! Linda at Noel's school has suggested that I "sound out tunes and get used to the in and outness of the instrument" before I arrive so as not to come with a bunch of bad habits.... makes a great deal of sense to me. I also like the advice about exploring different styles of music. Though I'm primarily interested in Irish music, I've really enjoyed some of the Morris concertina tunes I've heard online and will most likely explore that style as I go forward. And thanks, wolosp, for the interest in my progress with the concertina. I would very much like to report on my experience at the school, and I'm sure will have many more questions to bother you all with down the road! Thanks again, everyone. Bob

Hello Everyone, I became a Member today after having "mined" the Forum for several days, looking for helpful information and concertina recommendations. I will be attending Noel Hill's West Coast School this August (fortunately, I live 45 minutes from the school location) as a beginner. Per Mr. Morse's recommendation in this Forum, I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to locate a 30-button Stagi to rent for the school as I don't want to order a higher-end instrument until after I've had a chance to hear, and hopefully be allowed to play, some different concertinas at Noel's school. Linda Mann at the school has given me good advice on what to do to prepare for the course so I don't develop any bad habits that would need to be "unlearned". What has been most impressive to me as I have looked back through many months of threads is the cordiality and willingness of all of you to help folks new to the concertina, and your patience in answering the same questions common to those of us just starting out (don't worry, I'm not going to ask what concertina I should buy...that has been covered most eloquently in many posts). There is a definite comaraderie here and a genuine desire to welcome newcomers that is most refreshing in this oh, so weary world. And for that, I thank you all very much. If I might be allowed to ask one question, it would be this: If you had known then what you know now, what would you have done differently in learning the concertina? It's a privilege to be your newest member and I hope to have the opportunity to perhaps meet some of you at schools or other gatherings. Thanks again! Cordially, Bob Hawkins Wilsonville, OR