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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Playing the Tuba

by Jodi


As part of my son’s 5th grade band class, he had to teach a parent how to play the tuba.  We were told that if both parents were equally adept at playing a musical instrument, fake it!!  Well, I don’t know how adept my hubby is, but I was the willing guinea pig!

I’ve had a blast learning a few basics on the Tuba.  When I first told Jake that I would take lessons, I thought this would be a “snap”.  Boy was I wrong!!

Jake was very patient with me.  I had to dig deep and remember how to breathe properly and push using my diaphragm.  He was especially helpful in making me realize my embouchure was all wrong.  A world of difference compared to playing the French Horn!!

I’m so proud of Jake!  He has really come a long way these short few months that he has been playing.  My wish is that he continues playing.  He truly has talent!

78 comments:

iteach said...

Good Morning Owl land!

iteach said...

Good for him Jodi, from one marching band lover to another, I hope he continues with it too!

Jodi said...

Good morning ITEACH!! I chaperoned a field trip to the Overture Center in Madison with Jake's band class. We saw the UW Marching Band perform. The band marched in from the back of the theater and when the Tubas came in Jake just lost it!! I hope he keeps his enthusiasm up!!

Jodi said...

ITEACH - Do you have today off?

Jodi said...

Spent the night at Dad's...boy was that an experience. #1....haven't slept in that house in 22 years. #2....Didn't feel comfortable sleeping in his bed, so I made do on a recliner. He had told me that he has been sleeping in his recliner the last few nights. Well he does...but alternating between sitting straight up or bent over all the way. The first time I saw him bent all the way over, I went to check on him. He was fine, but it scared the crap out of me.

When I got home this morning, I did some research and evidentally it is easier for him to breathe with his arms out and bent over. Who knew?!!? I guess that explains why he sleeps a lot at the kitchen table with his arms on the table and bent forward.

Jodi said...

Waiting to hear from Hospice today. I hope they can do that assessment this afternoon.

From Area 51:

TINKA - Thank you for the Irish prayer. I loved it!! I made a copy so I could read it to Dad today ♥

Jodi said...

MARY - Thank you for the card...totally made my day!!

iteach said...

Yup, I'm off today, son #2 is sick, so I get to stay home and be mom for while. I love it. ;)

Jodi said...

ITEACH - I hope he feels better soon...especially for Easter!!

Bebbilane said...

Jodi! Love that...so fun! My son played the Trombone and he had a good talent for it. It was so fun going to the marching band events.

Bebbilane said...

ohh iteach!! You are so lovely this morning! Beautiful!

Bebbilane said...

Jodi: Praying for you and your Dad! You are such a good daughter...!!! <3

Tinka said...

Good Morning Iteach - It was so nice to see you first today. I guess I will never be first again. I just can't wake up until seven. It's those farms of mine that keep me up late.

Tinka said...

Good Morning Jodi and Bebbi.

Zona said...

Good Morning!

JODI: I've heard Jake play, and he is really good!! I always thought the tuba just made 'oom pah pah' sounds..dummy me..he actually played Lady Ga Ga and it sounded just like it!!

I know playing a wind instrument isn't easy. I played the flute in grade school, and my breathing was so messed up that I almost passed out while practicing at home. My dad saw me swaying in the chair and said "No more flute for you!"..thus ended my musical career.

Oh..and JODI..I googled 'embouchure'..I can't believe yours was all wrong.. ;)

Tinka said...

Jodi - I am glad you liked that prayer. I actually was thinking of you when I wrote it. You were on my mind all evening. I have been there and I know how it hurts. We took turns sleeping at my mom's house because we didn't want to put her "in care". I was in my old bed so I was quite comfortable but my mom wouldn't call us when she needed to get up and she kept falling and breaking hips etc. We had to put in a Rest Home. It was so hard. When I left her that first day she said she thought she was being put out to pasture.
I know if your dad gets into hospice they will be very kind to him. It will be easier on you too. I am praying for you.

Zona said...

ITEACH: You're looking just beautiful this morning! I hope your son gets better fast!

JODI: Thinking of you and keeping your dad in my prayers. ♥♥

Good Morning BEBBI and TINKA!

Tinka said...

Iteach - So sorry your son is sick but it's nice you can stay home with him. When I was teaching and my kids were little it was made very clear to us that we were not allowed to stay home. We had to find an alternate. I had my mom and dad but most teachers pretended they were sick and used up their 10 days of sick leave. About 20 years ago the union won the right to have 15 sick days and 5 extra days "for family reasons. That is only humane I think. Children need their mothers when they are sick. Hope he gets better soon.

Tinka said...

Bebbi - Are you still walking? Now that I can't go on my half hour walk with my dogs each day I find it hard to get my weight at my Weight Watchers "ideal weight". I have to eat so little to stay "on maintenance" I have just about given up trying. It is very disappointing.

Tinka said...

20

Tinka said...

Now to the blog. Jodi that is the first time I have heard of the idea of getting the parents involved. That is a great way to get the children motivated.

Tinka said...

One of my children has no musical ability, one has fantastic talent and plays the piano, flute and ukulele with ease. Because I taught music all those years I was thrilled. The third one was in between. She played in the band at school but didn't like to practise. Jack and I sat through many a band concert that literally hurt my ears. They were trying hard however and you had to give them credit.

Tinka said...

My two oldest grandchildren have inherited their mother's musical talent and love the band. My grandson is fantastic with the saxophone and already has had his first solo. The school he attends is famous for their band. When we attended his first concert we were amazed at how good they all were after only 4 months of lessons. They are playing in Hawaii this week and having a great time. The rest of the family went to watch the concerts and of course to get some of that Hawaii sunshine. My granddaughter plays the flute. She is in second year of band and doing well. We are so proud of them.

Tinka said...

My "fur babies" are asking me why I got on the computer before I fed them. They assume they always come first. Must go. Have a great day owls.

Jodi - I will be thinking of you today and pray your dad will be kept comfortable at hospice.

Tinka said...

Zona, my BFF, I just scrolled back and saw you slipped in while I was typing. I am glad I scrolled back or I would have missed you. You played the flute just like my daughter and granddaughter. See you really are my daughter. That proves it. Talk to you later.
I am hungry and so are my three darlings. See you all later.

Bebbilane said...

Tink: Yes, still walking! I hear you about eating very little. I have lost 106 lbs as of this morning. :) I don't eat much either. I am at the weight I want to be so I am grateful. :)

I don't have the pedometer anymore. I quit doing the Virgin healthmiles because my sister's work discontinued the program.

I have a friend right now who is trying to lose so I am walking a lot more with her than I really have to walk. I also do Zumba and Yoga. I love the elliptical but don't do it as much because my friend is on the treadmill and so I walk with her. :)

I am sorry to hear that you can't get out and walk much. I hope that you get to be able to again soon. I know how much you enjoy it as much as your fur babies!! :)

Tinka said...

Thanks for answering Bebbi. Do you find that you have to eat very little just to maintain your weight? That's what happened to me when I reached maintenance on Weight Watchers. My body adjusted to the small amount of food and I stayed the same. If I ate a little more I gained. Before that if I ate small amounts I would lose weight so it's strange how the body adjusts. Now I eat little but I am not moving. I was told yesterday that the specialists have decided there is nothing more they can do except increase the nerve pain medicine that I am on. I am going to get into a rehab programme like water exercises. That might help..

Tinka said...

I am going for my nap and then the dentist. See you all tonight.

Tinka said...

30

Bebbilane said...

Hiiiiii Zona..and good afternoon! Hope you are well!! :)

Bebbilane said...

Tink: I am just at the point of maintaining and yes, I eat very little and fast one night each week. I eat mostly raw few items and very little meat. I have hummus and yogurt for my protein. But, it's all good. I exercise so much that I can usually have some extras. I sure like not having to have anything in the house except what little I want. It's so much harder when you have to have the snacks for the kids, etc. :)

Just_Lin said...

Iteach Good morning! You sure are pretty at first place today! I hope your boy is feeling better soon.

Just_Lin said...

HOdi That is a great idea to have the kids teach the parents. It reinforces good technique with the kids I'm sure. We all know you have a talent for blowing, anyway. ;)

Just_Lin said...

Bebbi OMG! 106 lbs? Congratulations to you. You must be a stick by now. I really admire your dedication to healthier living. Kudos!

Just_Lin said...

Tinka I sure am enjoying seeing your little brown owl here in the nest again. I know it's difficult to maintain your weight with decreased mobility. Exercising in a pool sounds like a great idea...low impact plus the water gives you some resistance.

Just_Lin said...

Zona Why am I not surprised that you played the flute? Ever play one in a pool? LOL

Just_Lin said...

Some of our "regulars" are missing. Wonder where they are?

Just_Lin said...

Shirley In case you're watching through one of your hidden cameras, I'm waving vigorously at you. Looking forward to your return. No pun intended.

Mary/MI said...

Doing a quick fly-by. I have a busy day and am going to Casino with hubby tonight. He has won a few jackpots so is eligible for free money drawings tonight. We will be having dinner at their wonderful steak house.

Tinka. area 51, you are so sweet. I took no offense. We owls pop in & out so I knew that is what happened.Thank you for being so thoughtful.

Jodi,loved your blog about your son. His enthusiasm will get him far. Cool that he was your teacher!
I "played" the clarinet ...very badly lol!!
You and your Father have been on my mind a lot. Visions of my Father's last days pop up. I know what you are going through :(

Iteach, you have never looked more beautiful!!!!!

Zona, now I know why you have been unable to "blow" warm air up to me!!!

Bebbi, I am so proud of you. I wish I had an ounce of your energy!!

Hi Justlin!!!!!

Tina~in_ut said...

Do ya ever just get so busy you feel like you've been away forever?!~

Iteach~ so happy to see you in first~ So so pretty today! Hope ur cutie feels better today~

Jodi~ praying for ur dad~ thanks for sending the blog~

Mary~ lol....i saw ur pic on fb and thought someone else made the same exact one! duh!~ (btw...thanks A LOT for making me even fatter!!!!) (hubby is helping, btw!) :D

Bebbilane said...

J/L: Thank you. :) Not a stick, wouldn't want to be, but a healthy weight. Still on the high side for my height but I am not going any lower.. I think the numbers are crazy with "normal" weight!!! 111 lbs is the bottom of my "normal"..ridiculous!

Bebbilane said...

Mary: Thanks! I am proud of you too...!!! You do pretty good yourself!!! :)

Tinka said...

Up from my nap, a quick diet coke and off to the dentist. Yuck.

Tinka said...

Bebbi - It's good that you are stopping. A lot of dieters go a little too far and then they don't look good at all. There is no way those minimum weights make sense, IMO. I am proud of you.

Tinka said...

Hi Tina - It seems like you are extremely busy today. I remember those days. Miss them sometimes.

Tinka said...

Just-Lin - Thank you for the kind words. I am waiting for the schedule to arrive from the Rec centre. It is just down the street so I won't have trouble getting there.

Tinka said...

Mary - Thank you for understanding. It did look so bad for me to write about nothing both before and after your serious explanation.

Tinka said...

Off I go. When I come home I want to watch American Idol. I PVR'd it ( I think that is like your Tivo) and I want to see it before the second half starts. I like the country guy Dianne.

Tinka said...

50

Bebbilane said...

Thanks Tink..have fun at the Dentist..UGGGhhh! ew.

goldie said...

Jodi your kids have the musical gift. Now playing the tuba is no easy feat and personally I found it TORTURE to listen to when my son decided that was his instrument of choice!

He however only lasted 1 year with it and gave it up for Choir. (heidi silently says thank heavens).

Howdy Hooters!!!

Busy, busy day at work- but have off tomorrow and Inge Binga is coming for the weekend-Jodi, if you get the chance to get away let me know.

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

Where's the video?

Just_Lin said...

Shirley LOL! Good question.

Just_Lin said...

HOdi I used to march, too, but always in front of the band, either twirling a baton or twirling a flag.

Jodi said...

Thank you all for the comments today. I am totally exhausted and will catch up when I get up for work.

We got Dad admitted into Hospice in-home care. They were able to clean him up and change his clothes today. At first he was NOT going to have CNA visits, but when they saw the condition of his legs (blistered. one broke open and the other the size of my fist), and he has the start of a bed sore on his tailbone....the nurse told Dad you WILL have daily CNA visits to stay ahead of these getting infected. By the end I think he was enjoying the attention, and even flirting with the girls!! It was good to see my Dad laugh today ♥

goldie said...

Great Jodi- I think that you will both have peace of mind. Flirting a little never hurt anyone either!!:)

goldie said...

Way to go Bebbi!!!!

Zona said...

JODI: That's wonderful news. I smiled when I read that your dad was flirting! Good for him! Get some rest kiddo..♥

Zona said...

TINA: Thank you so much for the card..loved it!! :D

GOLDIE: Yay! Inge Binga is coming to visit! I know you'll have a great weekend!

BEBBI: Wow! That's awesome! You worked hard for it Sunshine!

J/LIN: LMAO! I'm just glad I learned to play the flute and not the piccolo..ijs.. ;)

MARY: I do get winded easily..but I try!! :D

TINKA: I hope the dentist visit went well! :)

HI SHIRLEY!!

Tinka said...

Jodi - I am so happy your dad will have hospice care. They are so dedicated. My sister had hospice in-home care too because she didn't want to go into the hospital. One of her daughters is a nurse and the other is a dental hygienist. and
They were there to help my brother-in-law as well. Even though my niece is a nurse she was not allowed to administer any of the strong drugs. The hospice nurse came and did that. My sister died peacefully in her own home and I know that is what she wanted.

It's nice that the nurses cheered your dad up and made him smile. That will be a good memory for you. I will be praying for you and your dad tonight.

Tinka said...

Hi Zona - I had a stressful time getting to the dentist. I was driving myself because it is only a block away but I was still nervous about it. (My doctor told me yesterday that I should not be driving and I was very aware of that). I got in the car, took off the bar lock from the steering wheel. I tried to turn the key and it wouldn't move. I had 20 minutes to get to the dentist and I spent that time trying to release the wheel and trying to turn the key. They wouldn't move. The "Explorer" was in the driveway but I had never driven that car before; it's so big compared to mine. I didn't know the number of the dentist and Jack was on my speed dial so I phoned him in Vancouver. He phoned them and told them I couldn't make it. Just as he finished talking to them the key turned. I got there 15 minutes late quite shaken. I don't know what caused the ordeal but it didn't help my self confidence. I know I won't be trying to drive again unless I know for sure the key will turn. Have you ever heard of that happening or was there just a black cloud hanging over me?

You diagnosed Dawn correctly. Jack took her to the doctor while he was in Vancouver and it was Migraines that she was getting. I told them you "called it".

Must check out my farms.

Tinka said...

Is everyone asleep? We are close to 69.

whabbear said...

Not asleep... back in at work, which is my habit these days. :(

Jodi, so glad to hear about your Dad!

Tina, thanks so much for the Easter card!!!!

Tink: I had exactly the same thing happen once in a rental SUV up at Whistler. I was completely unfamiliar with the vehicle, and couldn't get the key to turn, and it was making us late for a meeting with my sister and brother in law. Turned out (the car was a standard), I wasn't pushing the clutch in as far as I needed to in order to get the key to release.

Very irritating experience at the time!

Tinka said...

Bear, That was what Jack was telling me to do but I was pushing down to the floor. I think something is wrong with the ignition. We will check it out. Yes it is very annoying.

Good Night everyone. Sleep tight.

Mary/MI said...

We just got back from the Casino. I am happy to report that I came back considerably ahead :):). There's just something about holding all those Ben Franklin$

I have to work on my Blkberry in a few minutes. I received my 2nd refurbished replacement unit today. That means I have to replace all the info.like apps,parings,phone numbers etc. Luckily I have backed up the addresses, but have to download my nest& FB again! If you don't hear from me you will know I am busily cussing up a storm lol!!
Sweet dreams all, or I'll see you in FB :)

Mary/MI said...

oH, BTW,don't mention my winnings on FB, I have a few relatives who have borrowed money and may feel the need to borrow more lol!!!!

Just_Lin said...

HOdi That is a blessing. It made me smile to hear that your dad was flirting a little.

Just_Lin said...

Tinka Sorry it was such an ordeal for you today. It's stressful enough just to go to the dentists, in my opinion.

Just_Lin said...

Ooooh! I got 69 without even trying.

Just_Lin said...

Zona LOL. Yes, thank goodness it was the flute.

Just_Lin said...

Bear Wow! Sounds like you have some long hours these days.

Just_Lin said...

Mary Congrats on your good night at the casino. Boy, I wish I just had a fraction of your luck.

Just_Lin said...

Goldie My son plays heavy metal electric guitar.....loud.

Dianne/Denver said...

ITEACH: You are so bright and lovely even in the night!!

JODI: How proud you must be of your son. I am proud of you too for having the gumption to do the tuba..wow!! I am so glad to hear about your dad being in Hospice I think and hope you will be so pleased with their help and it sounds like it is helping already.

ZONA: Hope you are feeling better today. I am telling you or reminding you of those "menopause babies"!!

TINA: I loved your card. I wish I was as creative and crafty as you are.....thank you and thanks from Louis too.

BEBBI: Congratulations on your weight loss. What a great job you have done ....you were/are so determined and an inspiration yet again.

TINK: Terrible about your dentist outing. At least they still took you arriving late. You don't know but for the last year, I have been hanging out with my dentist on a very regular basis for the same problem. I have a small bridge that continues to break and then they take it out and I have a temp for two weeks and then the new one. The only good part is that I don't have to pay as it is the place that makes the bridges fault but that doesn't help with the pain (real) that goes with it.

J/L: How did Curves work for you the other day since your surgery? Were you able to do it okay?

BEAR: GO HOME AND QUIT WORKING SO HARD!!!!

MARY: Great that you once again won money. You win as often as I lose. I need some tips from you. Maybe you shouldn't have put it on the blog either because it makes me want some of your winnings :)

SHIRLEY; Are you going to be able to take the weekend off? I hope so as you sound you like you need a break. I would hate to go through boxes figuring out taxes...you are much more of a math major than I could ever think of being.

GOLDIE: So, did your son end up singing good or were you just glad to get him out of the band? Have a nice weekend with your mom visiting and a nice extra day off tomorrow.

Dianne/Denver said...

I had such a good day today in which I thought would be a hard day. We went to the nursing home to see my friends husband and he looked better than we had thought he was going to look. He wasn't able to talk to us but we got there at lunch time and were able to see him eat (with help) quite a good meal. I was with my two friends and his brother. They felt better seeing so well cared for by the caregiver...who was wonderful. Well, talking to him reminded me how much I missed my volunteer work with Hospice and a nursing home so as soon as I came home I called and have an appt for an application, etc., for volunteer next Thursday. I can't tell you (well I can...two years) I have been procrastinating about doing this job. I feel so good inside...plus we went to lunch and had some good laughs and it was good to be out of the house for the day. For once I can say something besides "nothing going on here" and I had dinner with my nephew (he bought). Okay I am done.

Mary/MI said...

Diane, What a great thing to do (Hospice). You would be perfect. You are such a sweetie!

Jodi, I was so happy to read your comment today about your Dad, especially about the flirting lol!

Waving at you Justlin~~

btw, I am having trouble with my f(^#@%&*^%ing phone!!!

Jodi said...

DIANNE - I'm glad your day was a good one!! And I'm glad you decided to volunteer! Those people are sooooooo lucky to have you ♥

SHIRLEY - I will maybe post a video of Jake. Is that ok?

MARY - I'm not familiar with that particular brand of phone ;)

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

I would enjoy seeing a video of Jake, but it would also be enjoyable to see a video of you playing...which was the meaning behind my comment. So again I ask, where's the video?