Animaterra

Twice now I've bought the most goddawful PA fridge magnet for, erm, dear friends. I've got to find one for my daughter now- it plays a variety of tunes, and you can also play random notes! It sounds dreadful, and is loads of fun! If I do get one, I'll be sure to get a photo!

Oh, Helen, don't gloat, but you might as well tell us where you'll be where it WON'T be cold!! Meanwhile, Ken, let us know as plans gel. I'm wildly busy at the moment but might be able to spare an evening for playing and, yes, maybe even singing!!

Morgana, you can always try EBay!

Oh how I wish you were planning this for the summer! I might have managed it! But public school teachers in the US can't manage the time away in October. *sigh*

Yes, one of the nicest cds around. I did't realize he was on Fair Warning as well! One thing that's remarkable about David is that he was born missing two fingers on one hand, yet that doesn't seem to slow his concertina playing down at all! I've known his parents since I was 10. They were my first musical inspiration- as a band dropout, I thought I had given up my chances at a career in music. Then Sandy and Caroline came along and showed me what I could do- and here I am, tending the flames in my own way.

Oh, poor Helen- you can run, but you can't hide! We'll get you singing, if only in self-defence! (I can never find the emoticon I need- where's the one for BWAH-HA-HA-HA!!! ???)

Now, now, Helen, none of that! (can't find an emoticon with my stern "teacher look" so you'll have to imagine it!). Singing is GOOD for you!! Studies show (click here) (and here) that singers are healthier. ERGO, the logical conclusion is that you got sick because you don't sing enough! I haven't been really sick-in-bed sick for years- although I do often get a touch of whatever's passing through. To get back to the topic, I've called my Jeffries "Jeff" and my Mayfair, "May". No imagination at all! I should ask them what they want to be called. Jeff will probably want to be called "Lord and Master", and May will just want to be taken out of the case more often!

Greg, I think that for some of us it depends on how our brain is wired! I've tried both, have a sweet little Mayfair English and yes, an incredible Jeffries anglo. Guess which one I play the most? There's no comparison when you've got a top-quality instrument. I suggest you try to find a shop or acquaintences who will let you try both- give each a little time, because it is a big investment, no matter how good the deal (unless it's free!!). And enjoy- you're entering a wonderful new world, and this site couldn't be friendlier or more helpful!

Magical indeed, Mark, as was your description of it. Thanks for yet another great post!

I'm printing out my registration form today. I just wish this were one weekend later, as I'll only be able to attend one or two workshops. Allison

Congratulations, Alan! Wonderful news! Give the little guy a big Squeeze, ok?

I loved the Look, too, but I think even better I liked the woman surrounded by paper doves. These are great, Tom! And, er, since I can't usually get on to the Mudcat during the hours it's actually working- what's Flickr? Allison

These are great, Henrik! I looked at every one- though I venture to suggest that your elk is a moose! Are there more? I have a few angels, and would love to see the gnomes. And Henk, who did you have in mind for that avatar...???

Thanks, Jim. I've made a decision not to click on the other thread any more (which is hard when we have the "next oldest" button feature!) to try to do my part to limit the hits on it. I have nothing good or bad to say about Colin Dipper other than the fact that I'm glad that there are still folks who take pride and time in their work and do it by hand, painstakingly and with a commitment to quality.

Welcome, Jeff! I'm a fairly recent anglo player myself, with English tendencies... It's good to have you willing to be open about your other, er, vices. We're mostly pretty accepting here. Me, I mostly sing and lead songs (thanks to CNetter Helen for naming that emoticon as the Singer!). I hope to get better at accompanying myself on the 'tina, but for now it's my other means of musical enjoyment. I hope you find this place to be a friendly and informative cyber community!

Yeah, Helen, I didn't mention a prerequisite for joining the family- ya gotta at least be willing to [/try to sing! If Mark's song suggestion doesn't suit, I can think of a few heh heh heh...

Dear Aunt Helen- welcome to the fold! (besides, I was born in Cleveland, so it could be...) Today Maggie is wearing her "Accordion Revolution" t-shirt to school! Allison

My 19-year old son just stays away when he hears me play- but he has Asperger Syndrome, which makes it nearly impossible for him to "filter out" unwanted input. He's doesn't complain, which is nice. I think he's figured out I'M nicer when I get a regular chance to play. My just-turned-sixteen-year-old daughter, however, has gotten the ultimate revenge: she's taken up the PA!! AND she loves most of the music I love! I worry about her social life... (I think it's a ploy and she really can't wait to send me to the old folk's home so she can have my Jeffries!) Allison

Oh, Mark, you poor dear. As a fellow-parent-of-teenagers, you have my deepest empathy! Still, I can't and won't complain- my kids are amazing, and usually more fun than ever. My youngest, my daughter, turns sixteen tomorrow- and I'm so proud and pleased to be her mum. Even if she did opt to take up the PA instead of the concertina! Allison

Great story, Robert- I've sent you an email re Davy Coffin (could we know the same one?). Singing while playing- that's a skill I'm working on! Simple chords is all I can manage, and it does seem to help keep me from breathing with the instrument! Helen, "tesser"' comes fromA Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle- one of my favorite books in childhood. A tesseract allows one to travel through space and time in an instant, with no ill effects. Wish I could do it!

Helen (picture my arms akimbo, foot tapping, head slightly lowered, with that "teacher look") We gotta get you singing! I wish I could "tesser" you over here to my women's chorus- you'd be singing in no time! In harmony! (this is supposed to look like Helen singing happily) Singing is good therapy, too. In some ways, (dare I whisper it here?) even better, in that the whole body is activated! (running and ducking for cover)

Yes, Mark, that scratches my sore spot too! I can't tell you how many people I meet, from parents of students, to would-be singers in my chorus, who were told to stand in the back and mouth the words in their youth! It makes me so mad!!! I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to teach a generation of kids that they can sing, and to offer a safe place for women to try out their voices in harmony. And, to stay on topic, I get to play the concertina from time to time and show them it's never too late to learn new tricks!

Bless you, Alan, for sharing this and for being a source of friendly, helpful strength here. I agree that this site is good therapy, too. And although I try to spend some time here most days, it doesn't take away from my playing, rather it inspires me to play more!

I know this thread started out as being about physical therapy as much as anything, but let me add my voice to the chorus affirming the concertina's value as an emotional and psychological therapy godsend. Many of you know what a bleak time I had 1 1/2 years ago. When the concertina came into my life it was a transformational gift- not only have I survived, I have grown and blossomed and explored new worlds I wouldn't have known otherwise. And yeah, it's physical therapy, too- both sides of my family are prone to arthritis, starting in the fingers. I was beginning to experience arthritic twinges before I first picked up the 'tina- since then, nary a twinge! "Use it or lose it" is certainly true in this respect! Great thread, folks.

This is so cool!! It's the same weekend as my Animaterra concert, but I'll try to get to at least part of the workshop! Allison