This WONDERfilled Life...

Some of you may remember waaaaayyyy back to the #52wonderfilledweeks challenge of 2018...this little project from Week 31 got a lot of attention in the horn world. Lot's of people talked about how I could make and sell these and while I totally agreed I had zero interest in doing that! My how things have changed.  I've used my spit pad everyday since making it.  I've had students use it. I wash it frequently and have used the mini one on several occasions where emptying on the floor didn't seem appropriate or safe at the random "one off gig". It's proved it's durability and usefulness to me over and over for the last two years! Now with COVID so prevalent most organization that have called to have me play have indicated that some sort of "puppy pad" or towel will need to be used on stage and disposed of or laundered at the end of every rehearsal and concert.  I brought my cute teal and birdie backed spit pad to a recording I did a few weeks ...

Seven months into COVID-19 and the arts everywhere are suffering and there's no end in sight.  Fortunately for me a few local organizations have decided to try and make the best of the situation and have had reduced ensembles meet under strict health and safety guidelines to RECORD performances to be streamed at a later date.  It's not ideal but...I'll take it! Last week I had my first orchestral gig since the first week of March.  Masks were required of all entering and playing except for those of us who cannot play with a mask on (most winds and brass).  Bell covers were provided and while the workmanship was impeccable it just didn't work.  So I set out to make a bell cover that is as functional as it is protective.   This is two layers of medium weight spandex, with an off set opening for the players hand.  It is machine washable and can be dried in the dryer, thought it's recommended to air dry to prolong the life of the garment.  These ...