Good afternoon from London and the RCM!

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

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!

(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..

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

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. .. 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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

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

hey.. no flirting..

Besides, I saw her first..

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

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]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Finally, a pretty face to look at!

Oh I'm so jealous.