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A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
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EricTheGray
Multiple Donor
Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:02 pm Posts: 1851 Location: Monona, WI, USA
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A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
Hi, everyone. Seven years ago I had been out of music for over 16 years and I wanted back in. I was trying to decide to go back to guitar or try something new. My guitar chops had faded so much I felt this was the moment to try something I'd always been fascinated with, the Chapman Stick. I found this forum, the stick.com site, and all the videos on YouTube. I also found the Online Videos section of the SE site. I lived on that page for weeks. I watched every video over and over. I dreamed of someday being able to make a little music on the old black poly Stick that landed in my lap. And I started on a new journey of learning. It was humbling. I had a demanding job and an active family. I wanted to play so much I made some life adjustments to give me more time. I stopped watching TV, completely. I stopped playing video games, too. And I played and played that Stick, not knowing what I was doing. Seven years, five Stick workshops, three different Sticks, a lot of online lessons, a serious setback, and a lot of determination later, I made it to the Online Videos page on stick.com. http://www.stick.com/onlinevideos/Wow. I want to express my deep appreciation to the entire Stick community, from Emmett down to the latest person to hold a Stick for the first time. This has been a blast. I can hardly believe it when I look at that page. That's me, on that page. What am I doing there with all those incredible players? What a rush. I also want to try to encourage anyone who is closer to where I was seven years ago. I'm not a serious pro, I know that. I'm not going to be making CDs and opening for major acts, or teaching at workshops. I'm just an old duffer who loves to play. I've made progress and once in a while I make a little music. If I can do it then all of you can too. Just keep playing. Keep asking questions. Keep going to workshops. Keep taking lessons. Keep believing that you can do it. Keep listening and loving to play music. That's all it's about anyway. Thanks, -Eric
_________________ Rosewood SG12 #5966, Mirrored 4ths Twitter: @ejknapp http://ericjknapp.com
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Sat Aug 02, 2014 5:15 pm |
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carvingcode
Multiple Donor
Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2013 5:53 am Posts: 768 Location: Dayton, Ohio
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
Hey Eric - Great encouragement for us all. It really is about the music. Anything that comes as a result of the music is secondary. Looking forward to you next piece.
Randy
_________________ Randy Brown
Rosewood Alto #5764
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Sat Aug 02, 2014 5:27 pm |
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Robstafarian
Site Donor
Joined: Sun May 27, 2012 12:55 pm Posts: 2486 Location: Virginia, USA
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
I am very happy for you Eric, but why did this have to happen just after I ordered my Stick? How I am supposed to survive the wait? It seems I will be forced to listen to the great music of those who have gone before...and make more posts to my gear thread.
Last edited by Robstafarian on Sun Mar 15, 2015 6:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:05 pm |
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Stickrad
Elite Contributor
Joined: Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:54 pm Posts: 1662 Location: Hobart, Tasmania, AU
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
Big congrats Eric.!
I definitely take encouragement form your experience and the statement of how amazing and sometimes challenging, playing the Stick can be.
You're reminding me of how accepting and encouraging the whole Stick community is. The root of all that is of course Emmett, Yuta and all the amazing SE folk. That has branched out into the world to create a mantle of positivity, encouragement, cutting edge creativity and a feeling of personal connection with Emmett and the whole global family.
I have to remember sometimes that just advancing and as you say believing that I can do it, is good medicine and a very positive mental posture to have .
After my personal thoughts it's back to you and a Big Congrats on your continued Sticky success.
_________________ Stickrad
https://www.facebook.com/stickradmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/southernstickevents/
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Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:16 pm |
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Alain
Elite Contributor
Joined: Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:02 am Posts: 2626 Location: Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
I love this thread...congrats Eric...
_________________ Grand Stick, Wenge, 12 strings, MR, SN 6667 http://soundcloud.com/Kataway http://www.youtube.com/user/Shawinijazz https://alainauclair.bandcamp.com/
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Sun Aug 03, 2014 2:44 am |
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Lee Vatip
Site Donor
Joined: Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:06 am Posts: 3275
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
Nice post Eric. There's a personal openness to your words that rings true to all musicians and particularly this Stick community. Being part of your journey via the seminars and Skype lessons I've seen your major evolution not only musically but confidence-wise and a sincere gratification of accomplishment and expression. That progress is as important as the chord and scale vocabulary. Kudos to you for moving forward especially after your mishap. You're past the spectator label. Now folks watch your video and go wow. You're in it... for good. Good luck with your coming show Steve A
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Sun Aug 03, 2014 4:47 am |
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numbersix
Multiple Donor
Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2012 10:44 am Posts: 253 Location: Berkshire, UK
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
Nice sentiments, Eric - your story of recovery from that awful accident made me appreciate my good health in the digit department!
Like you, I'm just an old duffer enjoying composing (limited at present) music on my Stick - I certainly have no aspirations towards making money from this wonderful instrument, I just want to enjoy it. My SG-12 should be with me soon now, I'm already getting a few ideas that will suit it more, maybe one day I too will post something on the showcase.
All the best,
-Marc-
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Sun Aug 03, 2014 11:13 am |
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Luc
Multiple Donor
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:59 am Posts: 2593 Location: Maine
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
Kataway wrote: I love this thread...congrats Eric... Big +1.
_________________ Luc Bergeron #R6453 Railboard http://www.LucBergeronMusic.com http://www.facebook.com/LucBergeronMusic
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Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:10 am |
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rclere
Multiple Donor
Joined: Sat Mar 29, 2008 8:53 am Posts: 1518 Location: Seattle, WAq
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
Heartfelt and deep post…. I really credit you in part for where I am on the STICK @ the present, and here is why…. Over the years I have bought and sold many Sticks…. Always finding myself frustrated @ my lack of progress, then you posted this nice Bamboo Grand in the classifieds. THis instrument is SO special to me… And your decision to sell it was just the perfect timing with my need to try playing the Stick one more time…. Well, after 40+ years on electric bass, I am happy to say that I am a dedicated Stickist now, I do not even look back…. I will aways be grateful for having purchased this fine instrument from you….
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Tue Aug 05, 2014 7:02 am |
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EricTheGray
Multiple Donor
Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:02 pm Posts: 1851 Location: Monona, WI, USA
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Re: A word of thanks and maybe some encouragement
rclere wrote: Heartfelt and deep post…. I really credit you in part for where I am on the STICK @ the present, and here is why…. Over the years I have bought and sold many Sticks…. Always finding myself frustrated @ my lack of progress, then you posted this nice Bamboo Grand in the classifieds. THis instrument is SO special to me… And your decision to sell it was just the perfect timing with my need to try playing the Stick one more time…. Well, after 40+ years on electric bass, I am happy to say that I am a dedicated Stickist now, I do not even look back…. I will aways be grateful for having purchased this fine instrument from you…. Thank you, Randy. It is very special that the bamboo went to the right person. That feels good. I don't look back either! -Eric
_________________ Rosewood SG12 #5966, Mirrored 4ths Twitter: @ejknapp http://ericjknapp.com
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Tue Aug 05, 2014 12:33 pm |
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