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New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Any Other Musicians Out There?
(Message started by: Weatherman on Jul 4th, 2006, 9:11pm)

Title: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by Weatherman on Jul 4th, 2006, 9:11pm
Lizzies music motivated me to start this thread. She did and excellent job playing piano and singing.

So my questions are these...

Dou you play an instrument and if so what is it?

What kind of music do you like to play?

What musicians or bands inspired you when you started and what inspires you now?

Can you sing too?


I started in my early teens on the piano...never was very good. Then in my late teens I started playing guitar and singing. I was ok and it was fun playing in garage bands.

Then in my mid 20's I found out what my instrument was when I sat behind my first set of drums. I knew I always had a good sense or rythm but I couldn't believe how easy it was right from the start. Within 4 months of starting drums, I was in a band playing gigs at local bars in my city.

That band was called "Triple Threat". We were a 3 piece band that played mostly music by "RUSH". The drummer for Rush, Neil Peart, has always been my percussion inspiration. I'm almost ashamed to admit I've seen them 26 times in concert. He really is a genious. His nickname is "The Proffesor" and for good reason. Anyway, we also played other classic rock from the 70's and 80's but RUSH was our big thing.

Now 44 and a weatherman, I don't have enough time to commit to a band but oh how I miss it. I still play though. I have my drums set up in the den and when I get inspired, I put RUSH on the head phones and go to town, all the while, dreaming of the thousands of fans cheering me on. It's a great dream! :)

The only time I can't play is when I'm in cycle like right now. As you might imagine, drums and headaches just don't mix. :'(

Thanks
Doug

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by brewcrew on Jul 4th, 2006, 9:34pm
Well, without getting too in-depth, I am a musician as well. Started with piano and theory lessons from the age of 7 to the age of 15. First rock band in 7th grade, played keys and sang lead. Started singing in the high school choir as a freshman. Began my college career as a piano/voice major and quickly learned that I didn't want to teach music for a living.

Sold all my keyboard equipment and bought a bass guitar in 1980 and never looked back. Quit playing in bands in 1991, sold my equipment, and didn't participate in anything musical until 2001 when I auditioned for and was accepted to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Sang with them for a year before the schedule became too much.

Recently bought another bass and formed a 60's, 70's and 80's blues and rock band called The Empty Suits. We're playing on Friday July 14 at the O.U.C.H. convention if you can make it. (Edit: We're billing ourselves as The Trip-tans for the convention because one of our members is going to be out of the country.)

Influences? Lots and varied. Kansas and Yes when I was a kid. A lot more R&B as I got older. Also Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Jaco, Rolling Stones, Genesis, John Hiatt.

Here's a link to my official introduction:

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=knowya;action=display;num=1118870900;start=173#173

Bill

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by chewy on Jul 4th, 2006, 9:46pm

Quote:
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chorus


Wow! Thats what I call accomplished!

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by brewcrew on Jul 4th, 2006, 9:51pm

on 07/04/06 at 21:46:37, chewy wrote:
Wow! Thats what I call accomplished!

Thanks for the props, chewy, but more than anything else, you have to be able to sight-read, learn quickly, and blend as a choral singer. A virtuoso soloist I am not.

I'll bring a few copies of a recording of the MSO Chorus in which I sang to the convention, and you get the first copy.

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by Weatherman on Jul 4th, 2006, 10:12pm
Wow Bill....Good stuff. Wish I could make the convention! I must admit, I do love doin a good blues jam on the skins.

By the way, nice inluences....especially Chris Squire from Yes. I always loved the way he and Geddy Lee of RUSH kicked on those Ricks.

Doug

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by alchemy on Jul 4th, 2006, 11:11pm
When I was young I did a lot of singing, with the Portland Symphany Orchestra, stage productions even sang a song on stage with the carpenters. I was in a chorus singing background. also played trumpet in a stage band, some keyboards, and now learning the guitar after losing use of my right thumb. that's about it for me.
jim  

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by chewy on Jul 4th, 2006, 11:23pm

Quote:
I'll bring a few copies of a recording of the MSO Chorus in which I sang to the convention, and you get the first copy.


A big Thank You for that!

(But you'll have to mail it or give it to the long haired tatooed freak to bring back home)

And dont forget to sign it!

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by brewcrew on Jul 4th, 2006, 11:49pm

on 07/04/06 at 23:23:44, chewy wrote:
And dont forget to sign it!

I will if you want, but I GUARAN-DAMN-TEE you that I ain't goin' nowhere with this musical "career." ;;D

Like I said in my "Gettin' to Know Ya" intro, it's more like therapy or vitamins to me.

Hey, alchemy, sounds like you've been around the musical block as well. Very nice resume. You reminded me, I once sang in the backup chorus for both Barry Manilow and Paul Anka, although Anka cancelled his appearance at the last minute due to a contract dispute. The Manilow thing happened on the same night as the 7th game of the 1982 World Series, when my beloved Brewers were playing the Cardinals. I had to miss it, and that butthole Manilow had the balls to tear off his shirt on stage to reveal a #19 Robin Yount road jersey. I hated him before that and I've hated him even more since.

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by alchemy on Jul 4th, 2006, 11:51pm
I hope they paid you well for singing with manilow that must have been a tough one.

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by brewcrew on Jul 5th, 2006, 12:08am

on 07/04/06 at 23:51:49, alchemy wrote:
I hope they paid you well for singing with manilow that must have been a tough one.

I was in the UW-Milwaukee Concert Choir, and it was part of the assignment for the semester. I earned an "A" on my report card but a big goose egg in my wallet. Plus all the negative vibes with him spoiling the World Series - I've never forgiven that bastard.

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by chewy on Jul 5th, 2006, 12:10am

Quote:
all the negative vibes with him spoiling the World Series


I'll bite. What did he do?

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by Lizzie2 on Jul 5th, 2006, 12:29am
Hi again...I'll answer your questions a little more in depth, too:

Do you play an instrument and if so what is it?
Began playing the piano at age 6.  Started playing clarinet in 6th grade, flute in 8th grade, saxophone in 9th grade, bass clarinet in 10th grade.  Singing - entire life!  Prior to college, played bass clarinet with All Eastern band at Carnegie Hall in 1999.  Went to Penn State for a bachelor of music degree in piano performance and gave 2 solo recitals there.  Played bass clarinet in symphonic wind ensemble, clarinet in symphonic band, and sang in concert choir and Essence of Joy - which is a choir that tours all over the world.  Loved it!  Am currently accompanying a local theatre's production of Schoolhouse Rock

What kind of music do you like to play?
I play a pretty wide variety.  For my recitals, I played music of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Milhaud, Liszt, Debussy, Poulenc.  I love to play and sing anything lyrical that sounds good on piano - pop stuff, show tunes, etc.

What musicians or bands inspired you when you started and what inspires you now?
When I started, my mom inspired me...and my teachers.  I've had some really great teachers both for private lessons and for choirs, ensembles, etc.  In college, I listened to the music of Martha Argerich on piano - she was my idol!  As far as my piano/vocal stuff - I'm inspired by women who both play piano and sing.

Can you sing too? Yup.  Voice was my minor.  I enjoy singing anything from classical/opera arias (mezzo-soprano) to theater to pop!  Singing makes life tolerable!!

I'm enjoying reading everybody's posts here.  Sounds like we do have quite an accomplished group of musicians!

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by cootie on Jul 5th, 2006, 12:41am
I'm not  musically inclined but I wish I was........Brad sets in with some friends bands playin the harmonica off and on. I'm only good for sound effects Pam

Speakin of music.....anyone ever hear of that new band Wolfmother......wow them boys can PLAY and sound like a modern day Led Zepplin !

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by alchemy on Jul 5th, 2006, 12:44am
Pam, my son just gave me a cd of their's today. good stuff

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by brewcrew on Jul 5th, 2006, 7:28am

on 07/05/06 at 00:10:32, chewy wrote:
I'll bite. What did he do?

Just that the concert for which I had to sing backup happened on the same night as the 7th game of the World Series in 1982, the only time the Brewers have ever been to the WS. And here I am in an f'n choir robe singing the tenor part to "I Write the Songs" and several of my other "favorites." When that not a very nice person tore off his shirt to reveal Robin Yount's jersey, it was like he was personally rubbing my nose in a pile of dog shit.

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by kayarr on Jul 5th, 2006, 8:10am
 Started piano at 6.  Took guitar lessons and played in the bell choir through junior high.  Started singing solo at 6 mostly in school talent shows. First band at 14 (we played for the Ninth Grade party:) lol
I have been in numerous musical variety shows including a little musical dinner theater and I got to be the town floozy sang "Fancy" . (God that was fun....I usually get the really nice part or crazy part:)
I have also done musicals like George M. and got to learn how to tap dance. (saLAP ball change.....)
You guys all sound very accomplished.  Sweet!



Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by Redd715 on Jul 5th, 2006, 9:47am
I grew up in a very musical family.

I (used to) play flute, harp, and guitar, way back when in Jr. High.  In High school I focused strictly on vocals.

I'd been the lead singer ( or co-lead ) of a number of local bands back before marriage and children.  Thought about restarting that as a hobby after the divorce, but never did, I stick to Karaokee from time to time, and have won a few contests.  Nothing major anymore, mostly just for my own enjoyment these days.

Title: Re: Any Other Musicians Out There?
Post by chewy on Jul 5th, 2006, 10:09am

Quote:
anyone ever hear of that new band Wolfmother


On Letterman last night.



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