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

[Humberto Avila]

Hello Catherine,


My name is Humberto and I have been blind all of my life. Starting in 
high school I joined the orchestra, playing the violin for 2 years in 
it. And, what I'm about to say may not nor doesn't have to apply to you. 
Certainly there are many musicians who are fully sighted who are, in air 
quotes, musically gifted, and those of us who are blind who pull this 
off rather well, presumably because our brains elastically work towards 
allowing us to efficiently use other senses like hearing. I was that 
stereotypical blind musician who learned the music by ear, just as is, 
whatever I heard being played by my fellow violinists stuck with me, and 
sometimes the music teacher would help out with my part, but most likely 
I learned the music on my own, with no help. I have learned Braille 
music, but for me, learning the music is by far more efficient by ear 
than it is in Braille.

I still catch myself doing just that from time to time. I am a Braillist 
by profession, and recently I worked at a school where my Braillist's 
office was situated rather conveniently next to the band and orchestra 
rooms. sometimes I would find myself singing to or writing down the 
scores they rehearse as they stick in my head. :)

but anyways, please feel free to ask more questions of us, and we can 
help you find the system that best works for you. One amazing thing 
about our digital age is that we can find most scores or even recorded 
concerts on YouTube, or even songs you are going to rehearse, on that 
platform. So, I would encourage it if you are an auditory learner.


Take care and have an awesome day.


Yours in Music,

Humberto

On 9/2/2023 6:17 PM, Catherine Getchell via MusicTlk 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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