Log In
Register
Home
Topic RSS
Read the original blog post
(2 votes) 
Offline
The "He's a Pirate" project has intrigued me and I'm trying to get up the nerve to record myself playing and send in the recording. I've only recorded myself once so I know how to do that. I don't know how to do the video but for now I'll be happy being invisible. I printed out the violin 1 part and I think I'll be ok with it after just a little bit more practice. I need to get used to the click track and figure out how to listen to that and record at the same time on the same computer, if that's possible. It is a bit of a challenge to get the double stops in in the last two bars in tune consistently so if I get up the nerve I may just play the top notes, but I like the challenge presented by the double stops.
when listening to the click track should I be counting 1-2-3, 1-2-3 which is a relatively brisk tempo or should I count 1-2-3-4-5-6 which is kind of slow? From the other comments I skimmed through I think it may be the former.
I'm glad that I stumbled on this web site. Fiddle playing is so different than the work I do so it's a great way for me to unwind. I don't know too many other fiddlers that I see very often so this is a great way to connect to other players at a variety of levels.
Offline
The click track has a sort of click-ick-ick-click-ick-ick sound – the best I can describe it. Six beats per measure, two of the loud clicks plus four of the smaller clicks althogether.
Maybe someone else can describe it better?
Offline
That was a good job Terry. I was curious about your right index finger.
Welcome MarkB!
Offline
Welcome to the forum and to the project, MarkB! 
It will not be really comfortable to count 1-2-3-4-5-6 at this speed, i guess. I count 1-2. According to CT "1" – is the first loud beat (the "kick drum" sample), "2" – the second one. Hope it makes sense. I don't know how to explain properly.
Offline
Welcome to the forum and the project. I think all your questions were well answered above. If you still don't understand you'll notice that I do a countdown in the beginning. Let us know if it's still puzzling.
Offline
Fiddlerman
Yes, they did answer them well. I took another listen to the click track. The first time I didn't have the volume up enough and didn't hear the softer, quicker clicks. I only noticed the louder clicks on beat 1 and 3.
I bought my laptop computer mostly to run my business. Although it has a camera and audio recording feature I really didn't bother to figure out how to use it because I didn't think I needed to. Last night I took some time to figure it out and I think I did.
Now I just have to practice through the piece enough to feel confident enough to do a presentable recording. I don't like looking at my balding head while I'm playing but I guess others will get a chuckle from it. Maybe I'll just wear a hat.
I do have some questions about the piece. I am referring to the violin 1 part. In measure 21, there are 2 down bow notes followed by two up bow notes then two more down bow. I am finding that pretty unnatural (two non-slurred notes played in the same bow direction) and although I can do it, if I think about it, I don't know the reason for it.
In measures 68, 69, 91, 103 and 104 I am also find the suggested bowing puzzling and a bit unnatural. What is the purpose of a down bow, followed by another down bow then an up bow, and then in 104 and up bow after an up bow?
I did figure out an easier way to play the double stops in the last 3 measures. In measure 104 I play the higher d by shifting to third position then, and play it with my first finger. This also helps me adjust the intonation easier if I have to.The following two bars are much easier. I just have to put down my 4th finger to play the highest d in the double stop and the last measue is easy after that. Now I just have to remember to do the shift and get it in tune. Lunch break is over.
Offline
Don't worry about your head, it's the same for many of us. The hat is still a good idea. Will make the video more exciting.
There are two reasons for doing the down down up up.
First of all bow distribution. you have a quarter note followed by and eight.
Playing down down up up evens out the length so that you aren't playing down too long.
Secondly so that you have a consistent bowing without having to play two ups on the triplet. Otherwise you end up on an up bow on the third measure and down bow on the fifth upbow on the 7th….. and so on.
These are the bowings that work well when you are experienced but might not be easy for everyone. If that is the case you play the bowings that suit you best. I am mainly writing bowings as a suggestion.
If this had been an orchestra where the audience can see us all playing simultaneously then I would insist that we all do the same bowing.
Offline
Many people sent in their final cut yet?
I keep trying to, but maybe it's nerves trying to do the 'final' final cut, I keep making a cock-up. And it's never the same cock-up!! Last time my bow hairs got caught in the curly corner! That'll teach me to bow straight and parallel 
Offline
Not yet Terry, and we are May 5th so we should hurry up lol.
Offline
NV! Typo I hope, is it not the 15th!!
Quick! Fetch my brown trousers!
Offline
We are the 5th, it's for the 15th unless FM changed it and I'm not aware of it. Take a day out in case some technicalities or last minute explosion happen and you have 9 days left to produce the audio 
Offline
I didn't yet … workworkwork 
12 days in a row 
. Planning to send it on May, 9 (lucky to have a night shift)…
Offline
I can't get decent video quality on my built-in web cam, so I ordered a new camera, just for the project. Hopefully it will get here in time, otherwise I'll just upload audio.
Offline
Love your dedication to the cause SaraO!
I might have to do the same. I have a pirate outfit for the video but can't read the music with an eyepatch on, hahahahahaha
Offline
haha now try with a hook! I don't have a pirate outfit but I have a coat that will work and my son't pirate hat! Maybe I can cheat with the eyepatch and make a little hole in the middle :p
Offline
Please, pirate hats and eye patches are great. Not necessary but I will love it.
Offline
How is it going for everyone? I've been practicing part one up to speed, and it's sounding ok. I've heard of a few others tackling parts 1, 4, or 5.
I foolishly thought that I might record an additional part since I was getting a good handle on the first violin part. I took a look a the violin 3 part. Holy smokes, those eighth note arpeggios were kicking my butt. 
I couldn't keep up. Is anyone recording part 3?
Offline
Here's hoping so!
Part 4 was my ambition but my rhythms and timing cannot be guaranteed good enough for the final go.
My teacher is interested (and plays viola) thinks it's a great project, so she might be joining us.
Offline
I had a girl who apparently plays professionally tell me that she wants to do all 5 parts.
I'll do them if there are too few people participating.
Offline
Less than a week to go!!
How many people have their parts in?
I am REALLY hoping for some uninterrupted quiet time this weekend to get my piece to the not-too-embarrassing stage. Fortunately with all the folks doing part 5 I don't think my mistakes will be too noticeable, despite the fact that Madame only likes to sing loud
Most Users Ever Online: 231
Currently Online:
12 Guest(s)
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
Oliver: 2128
Mad_Wed: 1995
Kevin M.: 1648
Barry: 1634
TerryT: 1538
Fiddlestix: 1432
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1
Members: 1647
Moderators: 0
Admins: 1
Forum Stats:
Groups: 12
Forums: 33
Topics: 3124
Posts: 42293
Newest Members: dickjames, Colin Hadfield, Art_Gear_Track, April 7711, Todd, remline
Administrators: Fiddlerman (6296)
Loading ...