Classical Mandolin Society

[Jimmy Sample]

Are any of you members of the Classical Mandolin Soceity? If so, can you provide me some feedback on the benifits of joining?

I have been a frequent visitor to the Mandolin Cafe for a couple of years now and have been playing for as long...I play okay, read music, and enjoy playing Irish and Old Time Fiddle tunes, but I've recently discovered Bach and Vivaldi on the mandolin and I love it. More importantly my wife seems to like my playing better when I play "classical style" music.

I'm interested in pursuing this style of music for the mandolin and would like some input and observations.

Thanks,
Jimmy

[KristinEliza]

I've only been aware of CMSA for the past couple of years, so I'm sure others can chime in here with more useful information.

Here's what I can tell you...FWIW...

1. Even though it's the 'Classical' Mandolin Society, all styles are represented.

2. It's another way of networking and promoting and preserving our instrument and its music.

3. And, of course, convention...which I will attend one of these days!

4. It looks good on business cards?

5. It's a conversation starter!

[vkioulaphides]

... my wife seems to like my playing better when I play "classical style" music.

What other reasons can a man ever need? ;)

Seriously, now, I'm a life-long member of the CMSA and, although I have not yet been able to attend any of their --splendid, by all accounts-- annual conventions, I am delighted to be part of it all.

And that, IMHO, is the core point of membership organizations that promote XYZ; if XYZ is part of who you are, of what you do, of what you (ideally) like to do, you reciprocally benefit by being part of them.

Cheers,

Victor

[Jimmy Sample]

Well,

Thank you both for taking the time to respond.

Yes, I get it...if you join and organization which promotes your interst you will be among like minded individuals...I think I understand that part.

I guess the bottom line is do I want to spend the $35.00, see what happens over the next year, and hope I have the opportunity to attend a convention some day.


Jimmy

[MLT]

In addition to what Victor and KristinEliza have said, I can only add the following:

I have been a member for 3 years and no I haven't been to a convention yet. I have heard many great things about the conventions and their offerings, and being a member I have heard much of the music perfomred at past conventions. Seattle 2010 is in my field of vision and I am looking forward to seeing many Cafe (& Facebook) friends there (Victor? Jim? Brian? Johnathan?) as well as others that I have not had the plesasure of talking with directly but have picked up many lessons remotely.

Membership also is a accompanied by a Quarterly Newsletter which is well thought out, well written and edited (just got my latest edition today). The organization also has a website (http://www.ClassicalMandolinSociety.org) to keep members posted on happenings, etc.--this is, by virtue of membership, is where I was able to hear all that great music I referenced above. It is my understanding that the site will be experiencing some growth/changes in the comming year.

I would reccomend joining.

[John Goodin]

Jimmy,

I'm a long-time member of CMSA and I agree with everything KristinEliza and Victor have to say. I've been to many conventions and have had the pleasure to sit at the feet of many brilliant and inspiring mandolinists. Here's a short list:
Keith Harris, Ugo Orlandi, Getrude Weyhofen, Caterina Lichtenberg, Carlo Aonzo, Marilynn Mair, Butch Baldassari, Don Stiernberg, Paul Glasse, Don Julin, Will Patton, Chris Thile, David Grisman, Sam Bush, etc. (I know I'm forgetting some super players here).

Even more inspiring have been the en masse orchestra experiences and the many amazing late night jam sessions. Also I've been able to meet and get to know some of the finest luthiers currently working.

Outside of the convention your $35 buys you 4 issues of the Mandolin Journal which, despite my own contributions, keeps getting better and better. The new issue just arrived at my house today. Your membership also gains you access to the members-only part of the CMSA website which contains many hours of recorded performances from conventions past.

The members of the CMSA are really nice people and fine mandolin players. I think, if you can afford to take the chance, that your membership money will be well spent.

John G.

[vkioulaphides]

"... the Mandolin Journal which, despite my own contributions, keeps getting better and better.

I dare correct my esteemed friend Mr. Goodin by pointing out that The Mandolin Journal has improved in leaps and bounds very much thanks to his own contributions.

Even in these tough economic times, Jimmy, CMSA membership will set you back a mere $0.67/wk, and brings with it both ongoing benefits (e.g. the Journal, members-only access, a rich network of fellow-mandolinists) and the annual extravaganza that is the Convention.

Cheers,

Victor

[wundo]

I've been to four conventions over the years.
Minneapolis, Toronto, Bozeman, and Dayton.
A great way to spend a vacation.
Always rewarding, and humbling at the same time.

[Jimmy Sample]

Thanks again to all who have responded...

I just received a wonderful email from David Betts from the CMSA. He sent me a sample of the music available which is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I really appreciate that kind of quick and thorough response...it speaks volumes to me about the caliber of an orginization.

I'm excited about pursuing this style of music. This may very well open a new area of interest for me.

No doubt the membership fee is money well spent!

Thanks again for the positive comments.
Jimmy

[mandotopia]

I am one of the charter members and have been a member on and off ever since (it depends on how organized I am at any given point in my life) In addition to all the benefits above, the CMSA also funds scholarships and various mandolin orchestra preservation projects. I once recieved a grant to help start an orchestra in my area (Western MD) but returned it when I couldn't pull it off. (Low density of mando players who want to read music in this rural area) The conventions are great. I highly reccommend becoming a member.

Joe Lane