Good afternoon from London and the RCM!

[Katie Long]

Hello everyone - I'm Katie, I live in London and I study at the RCM with Peter Buckoke... nice to meet you all :)

[Steve_M]

Good afternoon Katie. I am also in London. Welcome to the forums :)

I see you own a Yammy Silent Bass. Did you go to the demo by Chris Minh Doky a couple of weeks ago at Chappels on Wardour St?

[Ken Smith]

Hello everyone - I'm Katie, I live in London and I study at the RCM with Peter Buckoke... nice to meet you all :)

Hi Katie and thanks for joining in. I believe you are the first Female member.

When you get the chance, read the Bull Pit 'Down here (http://www.smithbassforums.com/showthread.php?t=33)' thread and tell me if it's entertaining for you at all. If so, send Peter a PM and ask him to come back and to remember that there is now a lady present. It was a bit off the hook before but just a bit on the edge, not too far..lol

[Ken Smith]

Is this you as well in the School photo (http://www.rcm.ac.uk/jkcm/default.aspx?pg=9)?

http://www.rcm.ac.uk/jkcm/cache/fl0001139.jpg

[Katie Long]

No, that isn't me! Sorry! Nice try anyhow...! No I didn't go to the demo but did buy mine from Chappells ... after haggling them down to 1350!

[Ken Smith]

No, that isn't me! Sorry! Nice try anyhow...

Sorry, it was just a guess since your Web Photo and Avatar look fairly different to me I though maybe that was a shot of you a few years back.

[Steve_M]

No, that isn't me! Sorry! Nice try anyhow...! No I didn't go to the demo but did buy mine from Chappells ... after haggling them down to 1350!

Has to be done - especially with retailers that are a little complacent! :D

I think the prices quoted by some retailers in London take the proverbial sometimes. I tend to be fairly aggressive when it comes to negotiation, but it also helps to run a bass forum where people express their opinions about retailers like the Bass Centre, Bass Gallery, Bass Cellar and others quite freely.

Not that I get preferential treatment from those retailers, but they seem a little more prepared to take me seriously when I moan about the prices! ;)

Why did you choose to play bass?

I note from your website that you grew up in Hampshire like me - did you go to school in Winchester?

[Gareth Morgan]

Hello Katie, and welcome from another Londoner (well, I work in London)!

[Katie Long]

I didn't go to school there, but I did do the Hampshire Specialist Music Course at Peter Symonds VIth form. I'm not sure what drew me to the bass, I think I was just musical and my head of music suggested I have a go so I borrowed the school bass over the summer break, got myself a 'Team Strings' (love it!) book and hey presto! I think someone, somewhere along the line bet money that I wouldn't be able to play it because I was too small, which made me even more determined, and here I am today, still playing! I seem to be the only one I know that didn't start on the cello (which I am glad about, it has to be said) but I guess we all find our own ways to the bass.

[Ken Smith]

I didn't go to school there, but I did do the Hampshire Specialist Music Course at Peter Symonds VIth form. I'm not sure what drew me to the bass, I think I was just musical and my head of music suggested I have a go so I borrowed the school bass over the summer break, got myself a 'Team Strings' (love it!) book and hey presto! I think someone, somewhere along the line bet money that I wouldn't be able to play it because I was too small, which made me even more determined, and here I am today, still playing! I seem to be the only one I know that didn't start on the cello (which I am glad about, it has to be said) but I guess we all find our own ways to the bass.

Katie, I didn't start on the cello either! I started in the 7th grade in String/Music class. Once a week, half the students would go to the Band room and the other half to the String room. I was assigned to the String room and everyone got 4 bow strokes on each instrument Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass. Then we were asked to choose an instrument to play in the class once a week. By matter of deduction (you know, Sherlock style..lol) I chose the Bass which I referred to as "that big one there" pointing to it as the only one of the 4 instruments I would be caught dead playing!..lol :eek:

You know, Junior High, macho stuff, nothing between your legs like a Cello or a Violin under your chin.. yuck.. Girl's stuff.. lol :D

After a few weeks I asked to play in the String ensemble but had to give up Art class to do it. The young Art teacher was so nice and looking back now kinda cute but hey, I was only 13! :confused::eek:

(Playing Bass also cut into my Golf and Fishing time as well! :()

So that's how I got started and NOT from the Cello.. lol..:mad:

Oops.. this is your party Katie.. sorry for crashing it! :o

One question though, I have heard of this grading stuff over there. Two years ago Bill Pamplin, owner/successor of Thwaites came to visit me (brought me a nice Dodd Bass and a Bultitude Bow) and called his young son one morning to find out he had just passed his 3rd grade test on Bass.

This grading system is something I have only heard of recently on line from players in the UK. Maybe it was you a few years ago mentioning that you just finished 6th grade testing of something. Would you like to be our 'Mistress' here at 'Ken's Corner'? NOoo.. Not that kind of mistress... Routy bunch here getting the wrong idea Katie.:D .. What I mean is, Coach us Yankees thru the British Bass Grades so each of us knows where we stand with the British Bass system. Leraning the way some of us have, a lot of 'skipping around' occurs which leaves gaps sometimes in ones playing or learning curve.

Hey, will we have to address you as 'Mistress Katie' then?.. ;)

Was just wondering...

We may have to open a new section for this or at least a Thread called 'Across the Pond in Katie's Corner". I bet we could easily rival Richard's 'Down Here' thread in time. :cool:

[Steve_M]

Ken, you're referring to the Royal School of Music and Trinity College performance and theory examination systems. I've had Trinity Grade 5 theory but have probably forgotten most of it by now.

I expect Katie's done the whole system all the way to Grade 8 and beyond. :)

[Ken Smith]

Ken, you're referring to the Royal School of Music and Trinity College performance and theory examination systems. I've had Trinity Grade 5 theory but have probably forgotten most of it by now.

I expect Katie's done the whole system all the way to Grade 8 and beyond. :)


Yes, the Grades, theory and playing. I am interested in seeing a list of the required materials so it might be able to be self-applied here to thos search of self-improvement British Style.

Hey, if the Brits can make Basses like the 4 that I bought then I'am sure they can teach how to play it!;)

[Katie Long]

Funnily enough I haven't done the grades really, been far too busy! I've seen too many people plough through the grading system with a total lack of regard for technical development, etc. I think I took grade 5 but that was a loooong time ago. I'd be happy to explain the grading system to you all, but I'll have to come back and do it later. I have some serious sonata-memorising to do. :D

[Tim Bishop]

Funnily enough I haven't done the grades really, been far too busy! I've seen too many people plough through the grading system with a total lack of regard for technical development, etc. I think I took grade 5 but that was a loooong time ago. I'd be happy to explain the grading system to you all, but I'll have to come back and do it later. I have some serious sonata-memorising to do. :D


Finally, a pretty face to look at! Hi, Katie and welcome to the Forum! :)

[Ken Smith]

Finally, a pretty face to look at! Hi, Katie and welcome to the Forum! :)


hey.. no flirting..:mad:

Besides, I saw her first..:D

Wait.. never mind.. I'm married..:eek:

Katie, until you get some other Bass ladies over here, I'm afraid you might have a bit on your hands with all these musicians.. There's never a Cop around when you need one..lol

[Steve_M]

Finally, a pretty face to look at!

Oh I'm so jealous.

[Katie Long]

If anyone's interested in seeing some photos of the RCM double bass weekend we held recently, you can see my photos here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3416&l=25b4f&id=504531785
and here
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3415&l=9ec2d&id=504531785

Should give you an idea of how fab it was, especially if you're a Rabbath or a Paul Ellison fan.

Regarding grades in the UK you can follow this link to see the syllabi for d. bass: http://www.abrsm.org/resources/allDBass0506.pdf.
I have to say that past a certain point they are a bit pointless in my opinion unless you want to either do the ABRSM diplomas or have it in writing. I haven't done my grade 8 (yet) because I figure that I am proof enough of my own ability and don't need to have a piece of paper to prove it... :cool:

Any of you fellow londoners doing the amateur orchestra circuit at the mo?

[Steve_M]

Unfortunately Katie I don't play double bass. I came this >< close to buying an NS CR5 electric upright bass last year from the Bass Centre when they were doing a ridiculously low deal on them and then baulked after trying it.

Even with the EUB I found I needed to attack the instrument to get any satisfaction out of it and at the end of the day I didn't really like the prospect of fighting the instrument in order to express myself. Maybe thats more of a sign that I didn't understand how to approach the instrument but I went back to bass guitar anyway.

Instead of being in an orchestra, I'm in a soul band with 6 female singers which has been through a fair amount of upheaval since the musical director walked out on us. So we're in the process of putting ourselves back together again and hopefully will be gigging by the summer. :)

[Marcus Johnson]

hey.. no flirting..:mad:

Besides, I saw her first..:D

Wait.. never mind.. I'm married..:eek:

Katie, until you get some other Bass ladies over here, I'm afraid you might have a bit on your hands with all these musicians.. There's never a Cop around when you need one..lol
Hey, leave her alone... I knew her when she was "Little Katie".;)

Oh wait.... I'm married too.

[Steve_M]

:rolleyes:

[Mike Pecanic]

Welcome! My daughter's name is Katie so you must be a very nice person...btw, I love London, hope to go back soon.

[Richard Prowse]

When you get the chance, read the Bull Pit 'Down here (http://www.smithbassforums.com/showthread.php?t=33)' thread and tell me if it's entertaining for you at all.
Well, Katie, hello from me too.
Ken seems keen for you to join the fun on the 'Down Here (NZ)' thread, you must have kiwi relatives that he knows about.
You've certainly put a spring into all the boys' steps on this thread!
Let's hope they all remenber how the hihat cymbol got its name!

[Robert Prowse]

ok How did the hihat cymbal get its name?

[Ken Smith]

ok How did the hihat cymbal get its name?

boom chic boom chic boom chic boom chic..

or.. _ chic _ chic _ chic _ chic

[Robert Prowse]

boom chic boom chic boom chic boom chic..

or.. _ chic _ chic _ chic _ chic

ok
Correct me if I'm wrong but I would run a hundred miles !

[Ken Smith]

ok
Correct me if I'm wrong but I would run a hundred miles !

Wasn't this a question about the hihat? The one that goes -chic-chic on the back beat or boom chic boom chic with the Bass Drum? Isn't that what you were asking?

?How did the hihat cymbal get its name?

[Katie Long]

:confused:
Oh god, I don't get it...!

[Ken Smith]

:confused:
Oh god, I don't get it...!

Boom is the sound of a bass drum and chic is the sound of the hi hat cymbals. Thus being boom chic boom chic.. Boom on 1 and 3, chic on 2 and 4.

You need to play a little jazz in some rhythm sections to really get this. Maybe it's just an American thing. I don't really know..

[Ken Smith]

Well, Katie, hello from me too.
Ken seems keen for you to join the fun on the 'Down Here (NZ)' thread, you must have kiwi relatives that he knows about.
You've certainly put a spring into all the boys' steps on this thread!
Let's hope they all remenber how the hihat cymbol got its name!

Richard, I just wanted her to read it and see what kind of people we have here other than the 'normal' Bass playing chatters that we are all used to. Maybe she will feel safer knowing that what goes on in the 'Pit stays in the 'Pit so she knows what to stay clear of..:eek:

Just warning the young lady of her surroundings... ;)

Katie is one of the best Classical players we have here on the Forum and is developing into becoming a top Pro in that field. Lets show a little respect for those that take the Bass as serious as it should be taken to reach that level.:cool:

Richard, this is Ken's Corner, not the Men's Room!:(

[Richard Prowse]

Let's hope they all remenber how the hihat cymbol got its name!
Katie,
In years gone buy there was a breed on male called the gentleman. He basically lived his life (on the surface, anyway) to a code of respect for his social environment. He practised, among other things, something called 'good manners'.
High on the gentleman's list of 'the ways to conduct oneself' was a strong desire to show respect to women.
When a gentleman passed a lady on the street, he lifted his hat as a sign of respect. The hi-hat cymbol's movement imitates this gesture. Hence its name.

[Richard Prowse]

Richard, this is Ken's Corner, not the Men's Room!:(
I think you misunderstood me, that was exactly my point!
(read my last post)
I consider myself a gentleman, especially when I talk to ladies. Whether they are good at the bass or not is irrelevant to me. This is why I used the metaphor of the hi-hat.

[Ken Smith]

I think you misunderstood me, that was exactly my point!
(read my last post)
I consider myself a gentleman, especially when I talk to ladies. Whether they are good at the bass or not is irrelevant to me. This is why I used the metaphor of the hi-hat.

Ok, Richard.. Never mind..

Just read a few recent posts by you in a few other threads. Some of which I hope she doesn't read. My mind just clumped a few of them together when I read this one.

[Richard Prowse]

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

[Ken Smith]

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

Rock, Paper, Scissor?

[Richard Prowse]

Rock, Paper, Scissor?
Down here we use one rock, a piece of paper, but a pair of scissors.
Viva la cultural difference!
...oh, and the only Chick I know plays the piano and writes songs with names like 'Spain'.

[Steve_M]

So Katie, lets talk about you. :)

Whats the hardest piece you've had to perform yet? Have you met Gary Karr at all? I've had a couple of email exchanges with him but he's from a different world to me - wonderful teacher though.

[Katie Long]

Funnily enough I've just premiered a piece that was written for me by a composer called Edward Lambert, called 'Trio Sonata in D'. It's for trumpet, piano and double bass. It's really really good stuff, usually I'm a bit funny with modern stuff but this is really good. Although it's very very difficult. Lots of double stopping and chords so technically fairly challenging but by far the hardest part is the counting and stuff. The premiere went really well however, I'm keeping a weather eye out for the reviews that usually crop up on t'internet when I perform with this guy and his orchestra/choir. So that was probably the hardest I guess.

I've not met Gary Karr as yet - hopefully I will some day. But I did have a bass lesson with Paul Ellison during his recent UK visit...awesome!

[Ken Smith]

Funnily enough I've just premiered a piece that was written for me by a composer called Edward Lambert, called 'Trio Sonata in D'. It's for trumpet, piano and double bass. It's really really good stuff, usually I'm a bit funny with modern stuff but this is really good. Although it's very very difficult. Lots of double stopping and chords so technically fairly challenging but by far the hardest part is the counting and stuff. The premiere went really well however, I'm keeping a weather eye out for the reviews that usually crop up on t'internet when I perform with this guy and his orchestra/choir. So that was probably the hardest I guess.

I've not met Gary Karr as yet - hopefully I will some day. But I did have a bass lesson with Paul Ellison during his recent UK visit...awesome!


Any of this stuff recorded that you did or any other pieces you could share now that we have a 'Clips' Section (http://www.smithbassforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46) available here?

[Steve_M]

Good luck with the practice :)


I've not met Gary Karr as yet - hopefully I will some day. But I did have a bass lesson with Paul Ellison during his recent UK visit...awesome!
Gary Karr is worth dropping a line to if you have a specific question. I wanted to find out more about the Rabbath fingering method so I contacted him through his website http://www.garykarr.com/

karrtalk [at] garykarr.com (karrtalk@garykarr.com)