Keep 'em honest, Peter! Wrote in my weblog a while ago, about someone who
asked me at a show whether my insruments were "sukiyaki" flutes-- so it
could get a lot worse!
Hope you're enjoying Costa Rica; I'll email you later.
Romy
> Hey Rob,
>
> I don't have a problem with the ideas you express in your letter
> (below). I didn't read Brian's original letter, but it sounds like
> you're getting a lot from playing and studying the shakuhachi.
>
> I just wanted to point out that a lot of the players and teachers
> think it's really lame to say "shak" instead of "shakuhachi". It's
> real annoying in fact. It's not a shak; it's a shakuhachi. Just
> like you're teacher is a "sensei" and not a "sen" or a "sei". It's a
> type of "dumming" down of the tradition we all respect and love
> (obviously including you).
>
> Thought you and others might want to know this.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Peter
>
>>Hi Group,
>>I originally sent this only to Brian, but since I hear so often that
>>shak players can't afford our instrument. I thought I would post it
>>to the list. I hope you are not offended Brian.
>>
>>Hey Brian,
>>
>>Sometimes it's how you frame it. I have two fine shaks. Ronnie got them
>> both
>>for me. My wife used to hold the same beliefs till we had a good talk
>> about
>>it. My case:
>>
>>The Shak does nice things for me and for you, (honey)
>>
>>My blood pressure goes down when I play (documented) - a good thing.
>>
>>When I am finished playing - I am in a good mood - good for our
>>relationship.
>>
>>I become creative when I play and think of new business ideas - more
>> revenue
>>another good thing (documented)
>>
>>When I travel, I take my flute - Instead of going to bars or watching TV,
>> I
>>play, also good things.
>>
>>I play during breaks at corporate retreats e.g. Nike, Cigna, Pfizer etc.
>> and
>>all my lessons are tax deductible (my shaks are as well.) A good thing.
>>
>>Because of my playing we have expanded our circle of friends, including
>>Ronnie and Yoshio, people we would never have met. More good!
>>
>>Our daughter takes an active interest in music, and plays her violin with
>>me. She travels with me to my lessons and camps, and its our father /
>>daughter "talk time - a very good thing.
>>
>>You have something to tease me about - squeaky sounds etc. (good for
>> you).
>>
>>When I travel to lessons, you have your own time. I choose early Saturday
>>mornings so she can sleep in! And I am back in time for fun with the
>> family.
>>Another good thing.
>>
>>The Shaks don't go down in value, and in fact they go up. Not true with
>> some
>>of our other investments (don't go here if inappropriate!) (very good).
>>
>>When Yoshio comes and plays a concert, all your friends get to come and
>> they
>>enjoy it and keep asking when he will return. Good for them and us.
>>
>>Because of a Yoshio concert, we raised enough money to demolish the old
>>Slaughterhouse where the teenagers used to do drugs, and you got to make
>> the
>>dedication of the park speech! (a very good thing).
>>
>>Lastly, buying flutes and paying for lessons helps keep this instrument
>> and
>>this wonderful music alive. If it weren't for us, an entire genre would
>>become extinct. We are all asked in many ways to support the arts by
>> making
>>charitable contributions etc. Why not support the art by being part of
>> the
>>art?
>>
>>Now that I think of it, Yoshio has a great 1.6 for sale hmmmm.
>>
>>Yu didn't ask for this but here is some unsolicited feedback. Never begin
>>your thoughts with the word "unfortunately." I find it causes me to give
>> up
>>too quickly. You are not investing in an instrument, or a piece of
>> bamboo,
>>you are investing in yourself, and making yourself better helps us all.
>>
>>Hope this helps.
>>
>>Rob McNeil
>
>
> --
> Peter Ross
> http://www.cloudhandsmusic.com
> APDO 542-4100
> Grecia, Costa Rica
> Central America
> 011 (506) 494-5170
> _____________________________________________
>
> List subscription information is at:
> http://communication.ucsd.edu/shaku/listsub.html
>
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