Helen

I would also like to say thanks for reviving this topic. It is very interesting reading about all of the tunes. I didn't initially realize that it was an old topic and I was going to post that I didn't know one of the tunes, and there was my post saying exactly that. It was a little eerie, to say the least. Sorry that I have been gone so long, but it is nice to be back. And I have jotted down many of the tunes people mentioned on this thread to play. Also the tune books. I am especially interested in the piper book. So, thanks all and happy holidays.

This was all very helpful. Especially the parts that did not involve singing. Since my music teacher in fifth grade told me not to sing, I haven't. Although I am considering it. Well no. The world has enough problems without me singing.

OOOO I can't believe I missed this thread. You did a PA thread without me! Of course PAs are cool. Starting the week of April 21, I'll have a week off from my 2 jobs so I can read Cnet to my heart's content. So, you know, save up your good stuff for that week! Just kidding. This was a great thread and thanks to the people who resurrected it so I got a chance to see it. Maybe during that week I'll check out all the websites mentioned. Hi everyone.

Ah well, now we are hitting my ability to pay! Camps can be a lot of fun. I think I like them best for the social aspect. I go away with many new friends and have a ball. However, along about Wednesday afternoon, I am tired of learning things and want to go home. I think I am now better served at long weekend endeavors. I just don't like to be away as much any more.

How very interesting. Maybe someone will adopt the town and save it. Amazing where you will find people who have been involved with musical instruments. Thanks for this posting. Wish I could come to Texas. Maybe sometime.

Alan, If you mean me, I am still in Ohio. If you mean the Scot, I guess Scotland.

My Bichon hates the accordion. yeah I know. He used to hate the concertina, but now runs down to see what I am doing. He no longer howls when I play the concertina. I don't know if there is any significance in his new liking of my concertina playing. Maybe since the concertina has been to church with me it has "mellowed"!

Ohhh, now I want to meet the accordion playing Scot who fiddled, so to speak, with the autoharp.

Oh, Allison, I am so proud.

Wow, I loved everyone's stories. Sorry, I fell off the internet for a while again, but I am back. Someone asked if I played PA for the church. Yes, I have. The concertina is easier to lug around. The PA has a little more range though! I think the coolness factor has a lot to do with people liking me playing in church. (Wait, no, I mean the coolness of the concertina; certainly not me.) Also, I think they feel if they encourage me, I'll come to church more! The playing with others in a group was why I hesitantly approached these guys in the first place. I was planning on being lost in a group playing folk or bluegrass music at someone's house. However, the thrown in at the deep end type of playing certainly worked for me. I was surprised that people liked it and astonished that they applauded. In church. So, yes I got hooked. I like the camaraderie also (did I spell that correctly?). You guys are so brave who kept at it when you felt the whole experience went wrong. I might have hidden for good. Here's to you.

Hi Everyone, I missed you all. I was off work for a long time, sick, went back to work for two weeks and fell and broke my leg. Off again. Now I am back at work and back at C.net. I only played my concertina hidden away in my house with the dogs as an audience. But now I am hooked on playing in public. I am in a band at church. Yes at church. A Quaker Church, at that. I thought that I would start by playing with other members in a LARGE group at someone's home. That changed to me doing a solo at the church the very next day. I recommend not having time to think. It worked for me. I played Amazing Grace. Everyone clapped. I was shocked. And hooked. I joined the band and am having the time of my life. How could I ever think playing alone at home was the only way to go. So, how did the rest of you start to play in public? What was your first instrument to play and what tune? I know everyone is far ahead of me, rushing right out to play with others. I was a bit shy. I'll talk to strangers, but playing was a big leap for me.

I have not heard of Winster Gallop or Winster Processional. Are they English pieces or am I just unaware?

Thanks for the info on the CDs, John. I realized that you had said the recent gig was not recorded, but from the thread, I thought you had other CDs. I am looking forward to getting one or both. Very nice to hear from you.

Wow, this was great. I'm going to try some of these resources. thanks, Leo.

Wonderful to hear that you are out and about and having fun. John or Al, which CD? I like jazz and would love to buy the CD is that is possible. Again, great to hear that you did the gig and successfully started a post!