First JamWith mandolin Today

[Unclelevi]

I've only been playing mandolin for a few weeks, but today I got up the nerve to play at an informal jam session. I was LOUSY!! But everyone else there had the courtesy not to say so. And you know what? Today I took a giant step forward and I'm going to stick with it and keep playing everyday and next time I'll do better. I just want to say thank you to all you here at Mandolin Cafe for making today possible--especially thanks to Leon Evans and MandolinTim. It's because of all you on this site sharing your knowlege and love for the mandolin that I had the nerve to get my feet wet. Please know, everyone how grateful I am!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[bjc]

Just keep pickin' doode...:-)

[gnelson651]

You're a braver man then me to attend a jam only after a few weeks of playing. I waited 8 months and memorized atleast 20 fiddle tunes before I had the nerve to go to my first jam session. When I got there, I didn't even bring in my mando, I sat in the audience just to listen to see if it was something I could do.

I made the mistake of telling another audience member I had my mando outside in the car (this was during the summer where it gets 120 degrees in the car) and someone in the jam overheard me. He convinced me to bring in my "baby" to protect it from the heat and I ended up playing. I thought I knew could play the songs I learned fairly well, but when I was my turn to start a song, I was all thumbs. It was nerve wracking but I loved it and have been going to jam sessions ever since. I will still sometimes turn to all thumbs on a song. I wouldn't trade the experience for anythng (except maybe a Loar). Playing with others has helped my playing in more ways then I can imagine.

So hang in there Unclelevi, you'll become a better player for the experience.

Glenn Nelson
Las Vegas, NV