An interesting concert

[Paula G]

The other night I played in a concert at quite a prestigous London Concert hall and had an experience that I just need to tell you about, but can't mention on my music blog. You'll see why.

The concert was to raise funds for a charity, and as this is a bit of a "Society" event we were asked to make an extra effort on our apperance, a bit of glamour, within the dictates of all black. I would have loved to turn up in a LBD but the instrument I play does not lend itself to a "ladylike posture" and I'm not sure that they, or I am ready for that yet. However I had decided that I would wear some very glam black ladies trousers with black sparkely lace around the waist, some patent black ladies shoes with low heels, and underdress with slip, panties and hold ups, along with black shirt bow tie and DJ (Tux to the Americans)

Well I had a little time to spare before the final run through and concert so did a little shopping and bought a fab little tight sleeveless LBD with a turtle neck, and some costume gold (coloured) chains.

Back in the changing rooms, one of the guys hadn't realised we were wearing all black and had only got a white shirt with him, had any one got a spare black shirt?, no volunteers - so I let him have my black shirt, poped on the LBD, but tucked into the trousers. So there I was the male thing I was wearing was the DJ. I can't believe no one noticed, but there were no comments, I just wish I had had the nerve to take the trousers off and wear the dress as it was ment to be worn.

[Susan]

I think it goes to show one very important point. People only see what they expect to see in normal situations. The people around you saw black and then switched off having no further reason to look at you. If you had worn a pink dress I bet the reaction would have been somewhat different,

[Ms. Darla]

Good for you Paula hope you feel more comfortable with yourself and your dress.

Susan is dead on with her comment about people only see what they expect most of the time. Leads to if you are discovered or not because something is out of place, like a pink dress. You had the right color shoes and pants so blend you did and that's all we would like to do.

[Erica S]

Way to go Paula, I agree with what Susan and Darla have said. What kind of instrument to you play? I am glad it went well and you were able to wear that LBD, even if it was modified.

Hugs,

Erica

[Absaroka]

That's a great story. More to the point, what an exciting venue to play in. What instrument do you play, and what selections did you perform?

[DonnaT]

An observant lot here, NOT.

Paula plays Mrs. T, or in other words, a tuba.

Not sure why a dress can't be worn while playing one, however.

Great outcome, Paula. Maybe someday you'll get to wear the dress without the trousers when playing.

What kind of Tuba do you have, Paula?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYOsNp4O7AU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-NVMsj6lXA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MypmT0kwBR0

[Anita]

Nice post, Paula. I know what you mean about feeling the urge to go further than what you did--sometimes partial just isn't quite enough. It sounds like an exciting concert; way to go!

[Paula G]

Thanks ladies for all your comments and interest; to answer some of your questions, yes I play the tuba, well spoted Donna, but on this occasion it was my second instrument the Bass Trombone. To play the tuba it is held between the legs, and good posture for the trombone to allow good breathing, means feet flat on the floor shoulder width apart, therefore in either case knees apart too, not very ladylike unless wearing trousers.

As for my instruments, well I'm afraid I am a bit of a collector, Mrs T is a Hawkes & Sons excelsior sonorous BBb, I also have a Besson 4 valve EEb, but my main instrument is a 4 rotor Conn CC. On yes there is also a Besson Euphonium, the Yamaha Bass Trombone, and a bass guitar that is now only played by my daughter, along with an electric guitar a semi aucstic, and the electric keyboard:- who'd want to be our neighbours!

The hall for this concert was St John's Smith Square a converted Church less than quarter of a mile from Parliament, we played the Gadfly Suite, and Tchaik 5

I do hope that one day I will combine these passions of mine and get to play a concert properly dressed.

[DonnaT]

I learned to play the harmonica. They take up a lot less room

[Leeza]

I learned to play a haromica, but it was altered. Someone had put buttons on one side and piano keys on the other and a bellows between.

Leeza

[Absaroka]

I play the regular trombone as well as trumpet. Bass bone takes a lot of air and I'd imagine tuba a lot more.

I've seen a number of teenage girl bone players at my daughters HS jazz festivals, including some on 4th (bass) They always wore long dresses or skirts and managed to look as ladylike as a teenaged jazz musician can look.

What a wonderful concert.

I'd agree that it could be fun to play a gig dressed. I often practice the trombone dressed, but not the trumpet. I don't know why (trumpet is soprano, trombone is tenor) but playing the trumpet dressed feels like a lie, but not so the trombone.

[Paula G]

"Hey. they got a band!"

[DonnaT]

I've been trying to get my grandson to blow into the harmonica for a while, and he finally managed a few continuous blows and draws on Saturday.

He's 19 months old now.

He was quite proud of himself too. He did some body-bobbing to go with it, something I had not taught him. My wife and I clapped, and yelled Yayyyy.

Afterwards, he'd blow a few notes, set the harmonica down, clap and yell yay.

Hilarious!

[Paula G]

We have a harmonica player at chuirch who plays sometimes, he claims to be the only musician we have who sucks!

[Leeza]

giggles

Leeza