high on bowed psaltery!!

[SUE C WHEELER]

When I bought my psalteries this summer, I imagined I would enjoy playing, and at some point might be competent enough to play at church or maybe a farmers' market. I had no idea how quickly doors would open for me to share the pleasure it has brought me. Almost immediately, I was able to contribute music to a family event.  My relations were superlative in their praise of my few tunes-- Amazing Grace, and I can't remember what else. I got plenty of practice trying to explain the instrument and its history(!). Where ever I looked for music, theory tips, accessories, people were eager for information about this novel music-maker!  It was fun to pretend I wasn't shy, and to engage in conversation wherever I was.  And it was greatly satisfying to see my husband, the pro bassoonist, light up when I asked him about obscure topics I'd never before paid attention to.

At a camping weekend with my daughter, I took my baritone outside, set it on its new tripod, and played everything I could come up with, by ear. Hymns, folk songs, my own tunes--How freeing!!

This winter, I played at my Parkinson's Support Group party, and for the ladies preparing decorations for church, and for the church's Christmas Celebration. Friends visited my house to see my psalteries. And I stopped into the Hospice House where I used to volunteer, and played carols on Christmas Eve--this was the absolute best blessing of the season.

I'm eager to see what next year holds for "the new me, Psaltery Player."