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Off Topic Forums => Off Topic Forum => Topic started by: AlanBama on November 29, 2007, 11:41:17 pm

Title: The Jitters
Post by: AlanBama on November 29, 2007, 11:41:17 pm: Believe it or not, I have been asked to be "the entertainment" at a Christmas party for approx. 30 people, next Friday night.

I am a nervous wreck. I have not played the piano for more than a handful of people in years....and I mean about 25 years....The more I try to practice, the worse I play. My shoulder injury awhile back isn't helping matters any.

My style is a cross between Jo Ann Castle and The Happy Goodmans.....(for those of you who have any idea of who these are). Let's just say I'm a "lively" pianist.

I will need an ativan about 30 mins beforehand, and a good slug of something before I sit down at the baby grand (and I'll be keeping the lid closed).

Wish me luck.....

Alan (I'm little but I'm LOUD) ;D
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: GSOgymrat on November 30, 2007, 12:05:24 am: I'm sure once you get through the first song and loosen up you'll be great. Have fun!
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: Robert on November 30, 2007, 12:30:58 am: Hey, you'll do great.

By the way, do you take requests?

Handel's Messiah?

robert

(King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and He shall reign for ever and ever, Hallelujah!)
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: Basquo on November 30, 2007, 11:38:13 am: I think you should play "Innagodadavida." That should take at least a quarter hour of the clock! ;)
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: david25luvit on November 30, 2007, 11:41:55 am: Have you considered playing in costume? Make it a "comedy affair"....that way anything that goes wrong
will be considered "part of the show"......... Just a suggestion!

An adivan and a shot of vodka does wonders for me ::)

By the way Rodney.......Congradulations sweetie! You'll do fine!
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: Iggy on November 30, 2007, 03:26:30 pm: Quote from: Basquo on November 30, 2007, 11:38:13 am
I think you should play "Innagodadavida." That should take at least a quarter hour of the clock! ;)

Great! Now I'm gonna have an image of Alan as the Church lady in the Simpsons!

Alan, All my best wishes that you are at ease and happy at the piano next Friday. I'm sure you'll be wonderful
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: pozniceguy on November 30, 2007, 06:07:18 pm: Alan I know exactly who JoAnn Castle is.....a really great performer and very hot piano player....I hope you blast them with plenty of that good old southern Honkey Tonk , maybe even some Scott Joplin

Nick
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: 404error on November 30, 2007, 07:08:55 pm: Blue Rondo a la Turk is a great piano song, lively as well. To eat up time though, hmmm... any cover of a live version of anything heavy synth by pink floyd should easily eat up some time...
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: AlanBama on December 04, 2007, 08:13:07 pm: I actually got in a little "practice time", and managed to get my repertoire all lined up for Friday:

Rudolph
Holly Jolly Christmas
Winter Wonderland
Frosty the Snowman
Silver Bells
It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas
The First Noel
What Child is This?
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Away in a Manger
Silent Night

and if I need a couple more to make a full 30 minutes:
Gentle Mary Laid her Child
Once in Royal David's City

I'll let you know how it goes.....
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: Jody on December 04, 2007, 08:29:12 pm: Alan...Why don't you just go WAY over the top- like Liberace!!! ;)

Jody
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: RapidRod on December 04, 2007, 08:48:51 pm: Alan, if you play like Jo Ann Castle, then playing like Scott Joplin won't be any trouble for you. I can listen to that music all day. ;)

Rodney
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: BirdBear718 on December 04, 2007, 10:41:43 pm: I could suggest some wonderful, sophisticated piano music...but..you've got to play the music from THE PEANUTS -- the one that Linus plays. It always brings a smile to my face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjmfzissdbs

and this one too....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcEB7a08k-s

Good luck!
Most of all --> HAVE FUN!
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: GSOgymrat on December 04, 2007, 10:46:05 pm: I agree with BirdBear!
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: aztecan on December 05, 2007, 09:57:40 am: Alan,

You will do a fantastic job. I have no doubts in the matter.

Of course, you know I now have Burl Ives singing in my head. ;D ;D

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: AlanBama on December 05, 2007, 09:59:21 am: I love Linus & Lucy's theme.

I play about 99.5% by ear, even though I took piano lessons for 12 years. I am so rusty, I cannot read music well anymore....I'd need the music for that one, it is one that is tricky to my ear for some reason....oh, and also another one I love, but can't play (without music) is The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire).

In San Francisco, I told everyone what a hard time I'm having adjusting to being a 'full time' wearer of eyeglasses. (remember Mark?) I've discovered that I absolutely cannot play the piano with them on. Go figure.... I think others may have the same problem, I noticed our organist at church takes his off to play.

Hugs all around,
Alan

PS - Mark, I watched "Rudolph" last night, so Burl Ives is in my head too....that is one of my favorite Christmas shows.....silver and gold, silver and gold....
Title: Re: The Jitters
Post by: bear60 on December 05, 2007, 10:09:12 am: OMG.....We used to two-step to Happy Goodman singing : LOOKING FOR A CITY. They were so incredible!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf8f32cDAXA