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Obtaining a Fiddle
1. Start your search for a fiddle early; it may take some time. 2. A fiddle is a violin. It’s the same instrument, just different style of playing. 3. Adults use a 4/4 or full size fiddle. 4. Getting an old fiddle into playable condition can be as inexpensive as a new set of strings. However major repairs or restoration can be very expensive. For the bow it’s cheaper and quicker to buy a cheap fiberglass bow (about $25) than to have an old bow re-haired if you’re a beginner. Call the instructor for advice. 5. Where to get a fiddle: an old one in the family, borrow one, rent one, buy one. 6. Violins can be rented from music stores for the duration of the course for around $40-$50. 7. I don’t recommend buying a violin for this course, unless it’s fairly cheap (and playable). Violins for sale in music stores can be pricey for low quality unless you know what you’re looking for. If you’re willing to take a risk, there are hundreds of good new violins for sale by internet dealers. They’re usually advertised at around $20. The catch is that the shipping and handling usually runs to $60 or more. But even so, $80 for a reasonably good student violin isn’t a bad deal. People have gotten violins with defects on the internet, but those I’ve seen haven’t been serious, and were easily fixable. I know of one person who sent several back before she got one she liked. Call the instructor for advice. Other questions: If you have any questions or would like additional help securing a fiddle, please contact the class instructor, Chuck Morgan, at (860) 423-5403 or chckmrgn@juno.com. Background: Shintaido, Japanese for "new body way," was developed in the 1960's by a group of high level martial artists in response to what they saw as the narrow focus of traditional martial arts. Although many of its roots come from Karate and Kendo, Shintaido is not a fighting style. Eastern and Western philosophy, and such diverse Japanese disciplines as Noh Theatre and the Tea Ceremony were also incorporated in its development. It is a unique holistic system of body movements which emphasizes cooperation, awareness, and meditation. Shintaido, therefore, is an exercise in self-discovery as well as an exercise of the body. A step toward achieving this knowledge, and a foundation of Shintaido, is the process of "becoming open," both to other practitioners and to oneself. Very often, we are in competition with ourselves rather than with others. An essential part of learning more about oneself, and a theme Shintaido has in common with other martial arts, are the ideas of acceptance and "winning by losing." While this may seem like an unusual concept in our society, we can make ourselves stronger by realizing our vulnerability. As with other martial arts, self-discipline is a key element of Shintaido. There are basic techniques and forms that require hours of practice to achieve proficiency. The serious practitioner must apply himself or herself both inside and outside the time and space of formal practice. This determination will likely carry over into other aspects of the student’s life as well. Additionally, respect, both toward oneself and others, is an essential component of the practice. Since bowing is the traditional Japanese way of showing respect, the practitioner bows to his or her Shintaido teacher and to other students, demonstrating gratefulness for both the instruction received and the rapport which can be achieved during class. Class format: My plan is to hold 90 minute classes once a week for 8 weeks. Classes can be tailored to the needs and abilities of the particular group: students interested in Shintaido’s reflective aspects may focus more on breathing and meditation, while another group may want to study its origins in Karate. A gymnasium is an ideal practice space, if available, but any large open area will do. The format of a typical Shintaido class (keiko) can be broken down into four main sections: warm-ups, “breaking out,” individual practice (kihon), and partner practice (kumite). 1. Warm-up. As with any physical activity, it is important to prepare oneself. Shintaido warm-ups ready the student for more vigorous exercise. Loosening the body, stretching, and releasing tension are emphasized. 2. “Breaking out.” This portion of the practice could be likened to an aerobics class. By using energetic hopping, jumping, and kicking exercises, students are challenged to “break out” of their perceived physical boundaries. Overcoming these limits is a way to improve concentration and expand one’s mental awareness. 3. Individual practice (kihon). Practice of the fundamental movements of Shintaido make up the core of a keiko. Some of the basic forms include stances, stepping and movement, cuts, punches, kicks, and combinations of these forms. Additionally, specific sequences of movements, called kata, can be studied. Study of kihon and kata to perfect one’s form is a primary way to explore oneself. 4. Partner practice (kumite). Since Shintaido is non-competitive, partner practice emphasizes cooperation and therefore differs from traditional martial arts. For example, while kumite in Karate studies attack and defense, Shintaido kumite studies interactions such as leading and following, giving and receiving, and initiating and responding. The elements of the individual practice are integrated into working with a single partner or a group. Each class closes with a few moments of meditation prior to finishing in order to help return us to our lives outside keiko. CAKE DECORATING SUPPLIES Cake Decorating I & II Supply Suggestions These are the supplies students will need to bring to each class:
Cake Decorating II Students Only! You should bring all of the above as well as the following two items: 2 additional icing tips (numbers 2 and 76) A lily flower nail Students have several options for ensuring they have the correct supplies for this class at prices with which they are comfortable. Please choose from any of the options below: 1. Bring whatever supplies listed above you have available to you at home. 2. Purchase the above items individually at a craft store such as A.C. Moore, Joanne's, or Michael's. All three stores have locations in Buckland Hills section of Manchester. 3. Purchase a Wilton Enterprises Student Cake Decorating Kit and additional paste food colors. This kit is available for purchase at A.C. Moore in Manchester for approximately $16.00. It includes:
The kit does not include paste-based food colors. However, these can be purchased in a set of four for approximately $5. Questions? Should you have any additional questions regarding acquiring supplies for this course, you may feel free to contact instructor Kathy McKee at (860) 423-0743.
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