Thursday, December 9, 2004

My Mouth Harp

   I live in an old folks home.  I drive a Chevy and a Scooter. I read blogs and write in my journal. So what else do I do?  I play my harmonica.

                    

   That four-sided beauty that I'm pictured with, is actually four twelve-hole tremolo Hohners fastened back to back.  That is 198 tuned reeds waiting for me to bring to life.  It belonged to my cousin, Paul, who was my inspiration to learn to play in my seventies. A course at the Senior Center in Blue Springs Missouri with a single four dollar diatonic eight hole beginners harp was the start of an enjoyable pastime.

   Now I own dozens.  I am not good at it, but you don't have to be good. to have fun and make acceptable music.  The harmonica does the work.  Simply blow into it and you get do-me-sol-do, the major chord in the key that the harmonica is made for.  Inhale, and draw on the left end of the harmonica and you get the second major chord.  Draw on the right end and you get the third major chord.  That and even a tin ear will let you accompany someone playing a tune.

   At our old folks home we have a volunteer, George, a pianist, who comes regularly to play from his life long collection of sheet music.  George tells me what key he will be playing in, I select the correct harmonica, and off we go, and it is not bad.  I make lots of mistakes, but George plays loudly, so they are not too obvious.

   I recently took a one evening course in "blues harmonica" and I play along with a blues CD too.

   My fellow residents are not too critical, so my harps are a wonderful hobby.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have always wanted to learn how to play the harmonica. They sound so cool when you just sit there and listen. It would be cool to hear you play someday. Take care. Jen  

Anonymous said...

Wow.  That's some harmonica there.   Definitely not your run of the mill variety.  I hope you keep making music with your harmonica and here in your journal, for a long time.  ~Sie

Anonymous said...

Now THAT sounds like a blast! hmmmm... Sue

Anonymous said...

I am tone deaf, but still love music, any music (except jazz), it transports you into another world. Keep playing that harmonica and don't forget to wear your crash helmet on that scooter. lol
Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Oh, how wonderful, Chuck!!!  Music!!!  I like how you said that you don't have to be good to have fun.  I believe that is with anything in life - as long as you enjoy something - DO IT like no one else is watching!!  Yay for you!!

Anonymous said...

Thats wonderful what you do, I wish I could hear you play. Sandra

Anonymous said...

You have alot of talent!  I've never seen a harmonica like the one in your picture.  That is really neat.
Steph

Anonymous said...

Oh how wonderful Chuck!  You seem to have so many talents!  You must be so talened to play such an instrument!  And those at the home must enjoy it immensely!  Krissy
http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink

Anonymous said...

My grandma always enjoyed the harmonica.  She also played piano and organ.  Seems that side of the family (Dad's) ended up being able to pick up an instrument and learn it, by watching others, and by ear.  So glad you enjoy it.  And I'm sure others do too.

Anonymous said...

How great what a nice thing you and your friends do.....Kasey

Anonymous said...

How cool!  That's quite a harmonica.  I had a starter model once. I never produced anything remotely resembling music with it. - Karen