Musical instruments

[bmbeeman]

I feel kind of left out because I'm one of only three in my company who can't play a musical instrument. The problem is, I have never played any sort of instrument before, and suggestions?:shrug:

 

[blue_zouave]

If you can keep a beat, you can play the bones or spoons. I don't know how "period" a washboard or rub board is, but that's another option.

For the non musical, the percussion section is the easiest thing to jump into.

Otherwise, learn all the words and sing your heart out!

Zou

 

[Harry]

Or, what about clapping along to the beat? I think folks of the period were quite inventive about musical instruments.

 

[Fifth Iowa]

Percussion

I don't consider myself much of a musician... although I was a member of the University of Washington Marching Band back in the seventies... No reflection on the band (which is very good); I was accepted because I marched well, played adequately, and (frankly) they needed another baritone horn to fill out the section.

Back to the point. I agree that a percussion instrument would probably be the simplest to learn.

 

[bama_belle]

I wonder if anyone would have an idea of what instruments, other than say the piano, that a woman would have been "allowed" or interested in playing back then.

I have been trying to learn to play guitar, but I'm not so sure my playing guitar in public would be very period.

What about the dulcimer or lap harp or the like?

 

[johan_steele]

I've read of women playing the flute several times. I would think that would make sense. Of coarse the violin or fiddle was also played by women.

 

[bama_belle]

Ahh.. the flute..

Actually, I was thinking more along the line of stringed instruments such as the violin or fiddle.

Hmm.. never thought of that.

 

[scone]

Speaking of violin or fiddle,, there is a museum in Annistan, Alabama that has a violin or fiddle from a member of the 22nd Alabama Infantry..

I use to have a link to the museum and picture of the item but that was all lost when my computer crashed last year.. perhaps I will stumble across it again..

Btw: here is a wonderfull site dealing with Minstrel Banjo..

Banjo Clubhouse - http://www.milfordmusic.com/Banjo Audio.htm

Singing...
"That Old King Crow, hes the blackest thief I know, he never says nothing but Cawww Cawww"

 

[bama_belle]

A museum in Anniston? Hm... I'll have to research that and find the place! I'm a sucker for local museums.

 

[scone]

Miss Bama Belle,

I'm pretty sure thats were it is .. I been wanting to head that way to it myself my self.. Plus I have long lost family in that area as well. Had three relatives in the 22nd Alabama and all 3 where from Randolph county.

BtW:
When is the Decatur event? I been wanting to head that way as well : ) I went to the Forrest/ Strieght raid last year in Blountsville

 

[rbenne]

Lap dulcimer, easy to learn light to carry, even its name means "pretty music"

 

[blue_zouave]

Miss Belle, the guitar was considered a women's instrument at that time more than others. You're right in "in tune."
For some thoughts on authentic music, go to my friend Jerry Ernst's site
http://members.aol.com/Jerund/jerund.html
and click on "Authenticity" down close to the end. He also has some links for period music studies.

Zou (who plays "at" a lot of instruments, and is the master of none)

 

[bama_belle]

Zou,

Thank you for the information. The guitar lessons have been put on hold for a little bit (have to find a new instructor - long story).

However, the musical instrument question has been solved for now.
We were at Trade Days at Tannehill last weekend, and hubby made the mistake of letting me wander into the instrument maker's cabin.

I fell in love. Originally I had been saying I wanted a dulcimer.
I wound up with a bowed psaltery. The one I have is not exactly period and if someone wanted to be picky about it, they could, but because the psaltery has been around since biblical times, I think there will be very little said about it.

And it has been super easy to learn to play. As a bonus, my fingers aren't sore (which is a double bonus since I have to ***** my finger 3+ times a day for blood sugar testing!)

Anyway, if y'all are at Tannehill this weekend and hear some poor fool sounding like they're gutting a cat, it's probably me missing a note! :laugh2:

 

[bama_belle]

Hmmm.. OK for some reason it wouldn't let me say "***** my finger" rofl

insert "stick" where the ***** are!