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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