Musicians of GWC unite

GWC Community Geek Hobbies
#1

Well, all right, music’s not exactly a hobby for me, since I make my living as a musician (more or less), but I know there are a lot of amateur musicians out there on GWC land, some of you quite accomplished, so why not create a space where we can talk shop. Step up and be recognized!

I realize, of course, that I didn’t specify what I do:

I am a “classical” (for lack of a better term, though I hate that term) composer (though I haven’t written anything seriously in about six months. Been rather preoccupied with family life) and conductor. Run my own ensemble, which I founded in 2005, which concentrates on performing concert works written since 1970 and am also a pianist, though finding time to practice over the past year or so has been difficult. At the moment I am a visiting music professor at a liberal arts college in upstate New York and up in the air career wise (hoping to land somewhere nice). You can check out my group at www.greatnoiseensemble.com and hear some of my music at www.myspace.com/armandobayolo.

#2

Hello, my name is Solai <“Hello Solai”> and I am a musician. Amateur.

I began my career wanting to play the piano. Desperately. Probably the only kid to ever want to. Mom said no as we didn’t have a piano and therefore couldn’t practice. I pleaded that I would go to school early and stay after, but she wouldn’t hear of it. This was third grade. Instead I took recorder and violin lessons. Got quite good at the recorder, violin, not so much. My claim to fame is that I can play “When the Saints go Marching in” on two recorders at the same time with one being the harmony, the other the melody.

Next instrument was the clarinet, mostly because I couldn’t believe Oboe reads were $8 bucks a pop. Played that all the way from 6th grade through high school picking up alto sax, bari sax, drums and conducting. I was in an orchestra playing clarinet, jazz band playing bari sax and I conducted the marching band and orchestra in my senior year.

In college I picked up the guitar and began singing. My guitar skills never progressed very far mostly because of beer and women. I still have my guitar and love to play, but you can get to my level in about 1 month of studying. I play mostly as an excuse to sing.

Now my musical outlet is mostly singing. I am a member of a volunteer non-profit charity Gilbert and Sullivan group in NYC that got me onstage a lot. In fact that is where I met my wife. Given marriage, baby and a move to the 'burbs I don’t get onstage as much anymore.

I occasionally pick up my two recorders and play “When the Saints Go Marching In” for Lil’ Solai and I keep meaning to find some children’s music for guitar. I have an upright piano in my house which I plink at…that is about it.

Probably more information than you were looking for…but you caught me on my lunch break and I had some time to type. :smiley:

#3

I am a very NONprofessional musician. Finally started recording over the past 3 - 4 years. Ive played guitar for about 10 years and I tinker with the piano and singing as well. Id like to finish enough songs to release an E.P. before too long. Its a slow process for me since I do all my own mixing and everything. Heres a link to some of my finished songs if anyone cares to check it out http://www.myspace.com/theghostofmyself

#4

i r drummers
i bang things

#5

Hello! I’m specifically a musical theatre/opera music geek. And a music teacher.

#6

I play guitar, reasonbly well. I also play drums, not nearly as well. It’s hard to find the time to fit in some good solid practise these days. But I have to really get back into it. I’m currently building a speaker cabinet. There’s not much left to finish, but the last bit seems to be taking for ever to get done.

#7

anyone up for GWC band?

#8

Only if it’s a Spinal Tap tribute/cover band. I promise you don’t have to spontaneously combust or choke on anyone else’s vomit, Boxey. :smiley:

#9

Does anyone have any of their music available to listen to? I’d love to hear what you guys do?

#10

Guitar and a bit of singing here though Audra should be the lead singer of the GWC band… :slight_smile: (and maybe Larry in the background vocals?)

#11

It’s funny. Audra and I played in an original band for about four years back around 2000. I think our last gig together was around 2003. After that we put together a Blues Traveler tribute band with some good friends and had a good time gigging for about a year. But neither of us have really been playing much lately. It’s great to see so many musicians 'round these parts.

#12

yeah that whole death thing…i dont much like it…its just…not me
armando lets take on chuck and audra in a mad awesome call-in needed GWC battle of the Bands
i call being Kara thrace and her special destiny, and playing spinal tap…the crew can play polka and be called the magic little monkey/my little pony club for all i care

#13

I have some stuff up on my My Space page: www.myspace.com/armandobayolo. Also, if you go to www.amc.net and search their composers’ database under “armando bayolo” you can find some audio there as well (these include complete pieces, while the My Space page only has individual movements from larger pieces…and my piece for four drum sets based on Ringo Starr’s drum solo on Abbey Road).

#14

That means I have to learn to play the bass, just so I can play on “Big Bottom.”

“Talk about bundt cakes
my girl’s got 'em!”

:smiley:

Oh, and by the way, Chuck, you’re not the only one who’s not doing that much playing these days. Ironically, I’m a professional musician and I haven’t been able to do much playing myself. The last time I played the piano in public was last January (as in 13 months ago) and the last time I conducted in public was September 29 (though I have gigs coming up on April 12 and May 15. Gotta start practicigin). I’ve recently been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome severe enough to require surgery, so that may keep me out of commission for a few weeks this summer, or depending when the surgery can actually happen. I’ve also not written a note (ostensibly my specialization) since August. What was going to be a two month break has turned out to be a writers’ block complicated by the birth of my second daughter and a number of other personal concerns.

(But, I’m developing a cello concerto project that’s coming along nicely, so I may be able to start composing again soon.)

Anyway, don’t feel bad. Even professionals go a while without playing, alas.

#15

i like this one…its pretty cool

carpel tunnel…one of the few things that scares the living hell out of me…along with all forms of needels

#16

Thanks. I think you were four when I wrote it (1998). :cool:

#17

Quite impressive Armando!

#18

That is awesome.

As a music teacher, I also don’t get as much practicing in as I wish I could. I’m usually burnt by the end of the day or my voice is just too tired for a sustained practice session. My outlet as of late has been local musical theatre productions and my city’s opera chorus.

#19

I’m also a music teacher…in the middle of my 30th year as a matter of fact. I can relate to the “…burnt by the end of the day” thing. I really love what I do but it takes a lot outta ya! I have played trumpet in our local symphony and some small orchestras for 2 different local choirs, but not recently. But everytime I pick it up and play I realize how much I miss being in good playing shape and playing with other musicians.

#20

Thank you. :smiley:

Like I said, it’s not really a hobby, but it’s one non-BSG related thing I can share, since I don’t have much time or resources for hobbies at the moment.