[MusicTlk] Looking to Connect with Blind Musicians who Sing or Play in Large Ensembles

[Catherine Getchell]

Hi Linda and Ella,

Thanks for getting back to me!  It's great to hear there are others out there.  Ella I tried to join MENVI per your suggestion, but when I submitted the application on their website, I got a 500 internal server error.  I tried twice, same error both times.  When I then tried to send an email to the webmaster per the instructions on the error page, I just got an email bounce that the email address webmaster at menvi.org is not valid.  So I'm not sure they're still active?  Maybe I'm doing something wrong.

I'm curious what your tips and techniques are for following the conductor?  I usually do fairly well with this, but there are times, like coming in with a big trumpet fanfare right at the beginning of a piece, or a sudden tempo change where the trumpet needs to lead the way with the new tempo, where I struggle.  If I'm lucky, the conductor or someone next to me will give a nice breath cue before the downbeat, but sometimes they forget, or it's not loud enough.  For the tempo changes, conductors usually figure out that they should stick with consistent tempo changes from rehearsal to rehearsal, at least if they want me to lock in the correct new tempo right away.  I read about a haptic baton by a company called Human Instruments, but it doesn't look like this is something you can purchase.  Just curious what others do to work around these challenges.  Thanks!
Catherine

-----Original Message-----
From: MusicTlk <musictlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Linda Mentink via MusicTlk
Sent: Saturday, September 2, 2023 9:41 PM
To: Catherine Getchell via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Linda Mentink <lmentink7360 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [MusicTlk] Looking to Connect with Blind Musicians who Sing or Play in Large Ensembles

Good evening Catherine,

Welcome.

I sang in choirs for many years when I lived in Wisconsin, beginning with Concert Choir and Madrigals in college. I had readers dictate all the words and music to me. My sharing this is not specific to your questions, but I share to say that I'm sure you'll find some here who will be able to help and encourage you.

Blessings,

Linda

On Sep 2, 2023 8:17 PM, Catherine Getchell via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
>
>
> I'm new to this list and am not sure how active it is.  But I'm 
> wondering if there's anyone on the list who plays or sings in a large 
> ensemble such as a band, orchestra, or choir.  I'm a totally blind 
> trumpet player and have played for decades in bands and orchestras, 
> both in college and in the community.  Not professionally usually, but 
> I'm pretty active.  I know there are lots of blind musicians out 
> there, but I've never met anyone who plays in large groups.  I'd be 
> interested in meeting people who do, to exchange tips and tricks on 
> things like memorizing large volumes of music, following the conductor, and getting music in accessible formats.  Thanks!
>
> Catherine
>
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