Attention all Small Cellists

The newspaper clipping is an old one I just came across while cleaning out my attic. Back in 1973 I was so excited about this vertical viola, that I gave a recital/demo of the instrument which was modeled after those of Carleen Hutchins. At the time I thought this instrument would be the VIOLA that could change the world of viola playing. And now over 30 years later, I still think violas should be played big and vertically. So, attention all small cellists, here is a dream instrument for you!

Guardians of the Bass Bar

How painful it is to see the bass bar mushed into the fragile top of a new violin. Actually, the maker has to be very careful not to let the crocodile clamps press down too hard or the top could be distorted. To insure the safe clamping, I invoked the aid of the Kitty-Sprites who are known to protect anything from anyone or anyone from anything. The violin is a 7/8th size instrument which is being made for Ann Guinee, wee wizard of Seattle.

Kingfisher

Here is the beginning of a violin with slightly smaller dimensions which will enable a slightly built young woman to play with physical ease and relaxation. The violin will be named the Kingfisher.

Back when we were cute ape-like creatures, I think we used to yodel back and forth to each other from tree to tree. That was before we could even say, "hi". Music came before language and is deeply embedded in the more ancient layers of our brains.

From the experience of many years teaching music and witnessing the upwelling of music in children unrelated to their IQ scores, language or reading levels, I have come to the conclusion that music is one of the most inexplicable talents that we as humans possess.

The cello, "Angel of Grief", you see on the left was recently completed for Aaron Baca. May he pass on his gift for music and this cello to his own child someday.