I assume the earplugs - which I've never heard of before in this context - are for pit musicians who want protection from the trombones, which sounds like an excellent idea. Sitting in a pit must cause catastrophic problems for naked ears. For an unprotected clarinettist at Bayreuth with those pests right behind them it must be hell on earth.
Very glad you're publicising the test/ear plugs thing, a fantastic scheme. Amateur here. Even so, I practise with an ear plug in my left ear, otherwise I can feel my whole eardrum vibrating when I play the C string, which is immensely distracting! Is this normal???
It’s amazing isn’t it! I wouldn’t say it’s normal necessarily but I’ve also heard people say similar things so I wouldn’t worry too much. If anything it probably just means you have a lovely resonant viola!
I have a hair texture very much like yours - on that cusp between wavy and curly - and I get on really well with something cheap and simple: grape seed oil! What works for me is letting my hair dry naturally, often in a low and very loose ponytail. Once it's very nearly dry, and whenever I fancy it if my hair is looking a wee bit fluffy, for example after brushing, I'll use some oil. For an extra bit of fun, you can add to the bottle a few drops of any essential oil that smells good to you! Put a drop or two into the palms, rub it and warm it in the hands, and gently run it through the hair. If your hair still looks fluffy and frizzy, go in with another drop, or even two if needed. The oil is very light and does not weigh the hair down or make it look greasy. Be warned: you won't get the perfect neatness of a blow-out without doing a blow-out. But you will get rid of a lot of the dry, frizzy effect and have bouncy waves and curls that have a sheen instead. :)
Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen will always have a very fond place in my heart ☺️ but I must confess I do love the Magic Flute… there’s a gorgeous viola bit where we have the most amazing harmony which is always fun ☺️
I assume the earplugs - which I've never heard of before in this context - are for pit musicians who want protection from the trombones, which sounds like an excellent idea. Sitting in a pit must cause catastrophic problems for naked ears. For an unprotected clarinettist at Bayreuth with those pests right behind them it must be hell on earth.
Yes exactly ☺️ they’re also very handy for when you’re playing in large orchestras. We love our brass players but they can be rather loud 😂
Very glad you're publicising the test/ear plugs thing, a fantastic scheme. Amateur here. Even so, I practise with an ear plug in my left ear, otherwise I can feel my whole eardrum vibrating when I play the C string, which is immensely distracting! Is this normal???
It’s amazing isn’t it! I wouldn’t say it’s normal necessarily but I’ve also heard people say similar things so I wouldn’t worry too much. If anything it probably just means you have a lovely resonant viola!
I have a hair texture very much like yours - on that cusp between wavy and curly - and I get on really well with something cheap and simple: grape seed oil! What works for me is letting my hair dry naturally, often in a low and very loose ponytail. Once it's very nearly dry, and whenever I fancy it if my hair is looking a wee bit fluffy, for example after brushing, I'll use some oil. For an extra bit of fun, you can add to the bottle a few drops of any essential oil that smells good to you! Put a drop or two into the palms, rub it and warm it in the hands, and gently run it through the hair. If your hair still looks fluffy and frizzy, go in with another drop, or even two if needed. The oil is very light and does not weigh the hair down or make it look greasy. Be warned: you won't get the perfect neatness of a blow-out without doing a blow-out. But you will get rid of a lot of the dry, frizzy effect and have bouncy waves and curls that have a sheen instead. :)
PS Terrible that you'll have to go to Charlotte Tilbury. How will you cope? I feel your pain. ;)
Thank you so much this is really helpful! 😘
Haha the heart really bleeds doesn’t it… 😂 x
Whats been your favourite opera to play? I have only just gotten into it in the last 3 months or so and am loving it so far (I have seen 2 so far!).
Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen will always have a very fond place in my heart ☺️ but I must confess I do love the Magic Flute… there’s a gorgeous viola bit where we have the most amazing harmony which is always fun ☺️
I need to take you to a Buccee’s
I maintain… Gloucester services would win! 🤣