Learning to Play the Cello

I strongly believe that one is never too old to learn to play a musical instrument.  And I am loving learning to play the cello!

I thoroughly enjoyed playing the saxophone from sixth grade through college, and wouldn’t trade the experiences that stemmed from that for anything…solo and ensemble, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Blue Lake in Bavaria (my one European experience), WMU marching band, making friends, and meeting my husband.  But I have always, in my heart of hearts, wanted to play a string instrument.  Fifteen or so years ago I purchased a used cello. I started lessons with gusto.  Unfortunately, I already had many family, work, and social commitments and simply didn’t put the time needed into practicing.  So that venture lasted only three months. Two years ago I tried lessons again. I was committed to practicing and all went well until my teacher, a music major at a local university, left to do her student teaching.  Good for her, but I just wasn’t motivated to find another teacher.

Then the Korea opportunity materialized. This is it! I thought to myself. I’ll find a cello, an instructor, and try again to learn to play this fabulous instrument!  I’ve heard that it takes 21 days to create a habit.  So if I put in the time and got “hooked” on playing, this skill would be something I could take back with me to the U.S.

Deciding that it would be too costly to transport my cello, I figured I would purchase one in Korea and then sell it when our stay was over. Having two cellos would also enable me to practice during my visits home. It didn’t occur to me that finding the right cello and an instructor could be a challenge given the language barrier.

A package deal: cello, bow, T, rosin, and case.

Fortunately, as it turns out, my teaching connection with Chadwick was the catalyst that got me to where I am today. While subbing I met, and of course struck up a conversation with, the instrumental music teacher. Interested in promoting music and possibly purchasing my cello when I was finished, Sonya offered to contact her instrument salesman about bringing cellos to the school for me to try. She also offered to connect me with Haglyun, the cello instructor who assisted with the school orchestras as well as taught students privately. Sonya’s assistance, advice, and Korean-English translating skills were invaluable. Then one memorable mid-January day I met with the instrument salesman, purchased a cello, and met the cello teacher.  I started lessons the next day. 🙂

During the past four months I have learned a tremendous amount, but I am the first to admit that a beginning cellist does not make beautiful music.  Thankfully there have been no complaints from our neighbors; either our apartment walls, floor and ceiling are more sound proof than I think or they are just very tolerant people!

The cello is such a challenging instrument…I get a mental and physical workout every time I sit down to practice! And I am exhausted after my 45-minute lessons, which usually run closer to 90 minutes.  Fortunately I already know music theory, terms, scales, etc. so I can focus on cello technique and training my ear.  That is the hardest part – building muscle memory and finding notes on a fingerboard with no markings. To help, I’m cheating a bit by using a piece of tape to mark first position,  a pad for thumb placement, and a wonderful I-phone app called insTuner.  It’s a delicate balance; using these tools to learn correctly without becoming dependent upon them.

We had a delicious lunch at the elegant LUKA 511 in Gangnam, Seoul.

I feel very fortunate, for Haglyun is not only a gifted cellist and teacher, but we have also become friends.  We are about the same age, and talk and laugh a lot together.  In March we had a delightful time window-shopping and trying on very expensive jewelry in the Gangnam area of Seoul.  Then in May she took my children and I to Seoul Art Center to view the Kusama Yayoi exhibit. Fun Times!

The price of this 6+ carat diamond I am wearing? Just over $1 million!

 

Lauren, me, Haglyun, and Ethan enjoying the Kusama Yayoi exhibit at Seoul Art Center.

Wanting to show Haglyun my support and appreciation for her teaching, I attended (as an audience member) Chadwick’s student music recital, and the Elementary School Orchestra’s portion of the Spring Concert. All I can say is “Wow!”  I was blown away! Students starting lessons in Kg using the smallest of cellos which are still taller than they are, an upper-el cello quartet that made my jaw drop, and the orchestra’s playing that brought tears to my eyes. Talk about differentiated instruction! She teaches students from age 6 to….well, my age. 🙂

Sadly, I am afraid I won’t be successful in convincing Haglyun that she needs to move to the U.S. when my time in Korea is over so that we can continue lessons. I wonder if lessons via Skype would work? In the meantime, I’m just going to practice like crazy and be thankful for this opportunity!!!

Cat Cafe’

The Cat Café in Songdo.

Bucket List – Visit a Cat Café – Check!

Located on the 3^rd floor of Dream City building in Songdo, you will find the Cat Café.  Given that we have always owned cats, it seemed silly to pay money to simply pet them.  My family thought this was quite hilarious…so of course we had to visit!

My initial feeling that 9,000KRW (just under $9 US) per person was a bit pricy changed after the experience.  It’s actually quite a bargain, for you get:

• A beverage – a variety of teas, coffees, sodas, and juices are available. A 4,500-6,500KRW value.
• Slippers to borrow, and an area to put your shoes, coats and valuables.
• Unlimited time with 14 cats of various sizes and breeds. Priceless!
• Use of soap and water, lint roller, and Febreze clothing/air freshener when you are ready to leave.

So actually, that’s only about 4,000KRW for the cat time.  That’s waaaayyy less than I spend on our cat at home, and it includes none of the mental anguish she creates…Bonus!

The cats were very friendly!

Immediately upon entering the Café, we were greeted enthusiastically and affectionately by the feline residents. The whole lot were friendly and good-natured; except for one who had to have a “time-out” for antagonizing three other cats! They were well-groomed and, with the exception of two that appeared to be battling eye-infections, appeared to be in good health.  After the novelty of new humans wore off, most behaved as typical cats do – affectionate yet independent and somewhat aloof, while patiently allowing us to share their space and pet or pick them up.  🙂

Ethan, Lauren, and I each found a cat that we would have gladly taken home.  Not usually a fan of short-haired cats, I was surprised to find my favorite a bengal.  Her beautifully patterned coat was super-soft, and she had an energetic yet regal presence.  A fluffy, playful gray kitten adored Ethan, and the feeling was quite mutual. Lauren became pals with a gentle white cat with two different colored eyes.

Love this Bengal cat!

Will he fit in my carry-on?

 

 

 

 

She and Violet would get along great!

Although we kept laughing and saying, “I can’t believe we are doing this. It feels so silly!”, we stayed for about an hour and had a lovely time.  Another memory created!

Cake decorating lesson

During my first week of exploring in Songdo I came upon a smart-looking shop called Sugar Posh.  Beautifully decorated cakes and baked goods were on display, along with the headline “Sugarcraft Cake & Class.” Unfortunately, those were the only words in English and the shop was closed, so I could not read and understand the printed flier or inquire about the cake decorating classes.  I put this shop on my mental list of places to visit again.

I have enjoyed decorating cakes since I was quite young. I loved the beautiful doll cakes that my mom made my sisters and me for our birthdays, and how as she decorated, she taught me this skill. I later took two Wilton Cake Decorating courses, and over the years have created many cakes for birthdays and special events for my family.  I have always used butter-cream icing and like its flavor, flexibility, and possibilities.  However, I have also been intrigued by the”perfectness” of fondant and wondered how to use it.

In January I went back to Sugar Posh, found it open, and entered with the hopes of enrolling in a class.  I’m wondering if I am the first foreigner to inquire about lessons? Trying to get information about the classes was a language challenge to say the least, so this sweet owner called a friend to serve as our translator over the phone. We passed the phone back and forth and eventually set a cake decorating lesson date for March 🙂

On the day of my class, arriving with the apron specifically purchased for this event in hand, I discovered that I was the only one in the class.  Wow – one on one instruction – you can’t beat that! And bonus “small world” story: The instructor and owner of the shop is the mom of one of the boys I have worked with at Chadwick School, so he was there to serve as our translator! I was given a cup of tea and a just-out-o-the-oven scone with delicious homemade apple jelly. All tools necessary for the class were set up, as well as the four cake designs I could choose from.  I liked the “Will You Marry Me” design best, but since I am already married, I simply modified the words to “I Love You.”

Because this was for practice, foam molds served as the cake.  We used a prepared white fondant whose texture reminded me of taffy.  In fact, to blend color into it, you kneed and pull and twist the fondant just like the taffy making machines I have seen in candy stores.  Working with this material was easier than I had imagined; rolling it out like pie crust, shaping and trimming it to desired shapes and sizes, and using cutters, punches, stamps, and brushes to create designs. And like any craft, having the proper tools makes all the difference. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and after three hours, I had in front of me a finished “cake.” I feel confident that I can now try this at home:)

I am thankful that Mrs. Jeong, despite the difficulties that could result given our language barrier, was willing to open her kitchen and class to me.  And I am really indebted to her son, whom I am sure, would have rather been somewhere else on a Saturday morning. Being 10, I am doubtful that he fully understands how his translating enriched this experience for me.  Without it, not only would the instruction have taken longer, but I believe explanations, descriptions, and small talk would have been missing or lost in translation. Having him there was truly a gift!

March 16…New Wheels!

So this is why we have an extra bedroom…bicycle storage:)

One more blessing that has stemmed from my “Coffee” group…  Bikes!!!

Last fall Rex and I talked about the possibility of buying bicycles in the spring; for transportation, exercise, and exploration.  Just as we started seriously exploring the possibility, I discovered that one of my coffee- group friends had two bikes she wanted to sell. And not just bikes, but all the accessories we would need: helmets, locks, water bottle cages, bike racks and bags, tools, and a tire pump!

So Sunday Rex and I went to try them out and they fit us perfectly:) And just in time, for although it isn’t officially Spring until March 21st, Spring arrived in Songdo this weekend. With temperatures in the 50’s, people were out enjoying the sunshine…walking and running, biking, skateboarding, in-line skating, playing soccer and catch, and pedal boating and kayaking down the river in Central Park.

We set out on our “new” bikes, following trails around the perimeter of Songdo. It was so freeing to go exploring and see new areas of the city. The 11.5 miles we biked on pavement, dirt, rocks, up and over curbs, etc, was quite a workout, especially since these are commuter bikes rather than the road bikes we are used to! It felt great…what an awesome day!

A New Obsession

Do I like garage sales and flea markets? Generally.  Do I like antique stores?  Sometimes.  Do I like trying to find bargains and awesome deals?  Of course!  But have I ever been obsessed with any of these things?  NO!  Recently, however, I was introduced to a Facebook group, and alas a world I didn’t realize existed.  So now…

I check the Facebook group “Incheon Flea Market” several times a day. I get the group’s notifications on my timeline.  As I search the page I think to myself, “I’m sure I will discover a marvelous find… something I need that I simply didn’t realize I needed until now!” This searching often leads me to check out e-bay-Korea to see what I can find there. When I do find an item that calls my name, I check my subway app and consider whether the time I will spend on the subway to get to the item will be worth the trip, if I can fit the trip into my schedule, and if I will actually be able to carry the item all the way home.

I think I am obsessed!  This is what I have found and purchased so far 🙂

Rex’s “new” recliner.

Just a bit more assembly required and it’ll be ready for guests.

A bit of a style change for me, but this sofa fits my bedroom space perfectly. Since the TV is in our open living room-dining room- kitchen space, this is where I go when Rex has his video conference calls for work.

For me, plants = sunshine = happiness:)

A portable chair that I can leave set up in my practice room instead of hauling my dining room chair back and forth. My $3 bargain:)

A recliner! Our couch is comfortable, but it was the only seating we had, and too small for both of us to really stretch out on. Recliners seem to be a rare commodity here; so I couldn’t be overly concerned (as I usually am) with color-matching.  Thanks to e-bay and someone at work who was able to arrange the delivery, Rex now has a recliner. After the long days he puts in at work, he definitely needs a place to relax!

In Korea, February is the end of the school year, so contracts are up for many international teachers. E-bay and flea market sites are loaded with items people are trying to sell before leaving the country…cars, bikes, phones/phone plans, electronics, furniture, clothing, plants, and even food.

That’s how I happened upon the bed and couch.  They were a good price and came with delivery…a real bonus.

I took the subway, however, to get three plants. The challenge was the weight, for they came as pictured – pots, bases and soil.  Two in one bag and one in another, I’m estimating 12-15 pounds/bag.  Carrying them through two stations, four flights of stairs, and the 15 minute walk home proved to be quite a workout! But the color and life they add to my living room was well worth the effort:)

My latest find, a small, lightweight, fold-able stool was much easier to transport on the subway.  I’m so excited to have a space where I can leave everything set up for practicing my cello:)

So are my flea market days over? Someday…But for now, I really need a floor lamp or end table with table lamp.  So the obsession and searching continues…

Nursery School and Library Card

Wishing to add a bit more purpose to my days, I ventured to the Global Center to inquire about volunteer opportunities in my area.  As luck would have it, the staff at a Korean nursery school had recently expressed interest in having English-speaking foreigners interact with their 60 children.  The GC assistant manager introduced me to the Director and two teachers at the school, and within half an hour I had an appointment to return the following day to complete necessary paperwork, and bring verification of my teaching credentials and back ground check!  That I did and my start date was scheduled.  Alternating between the 3-4 and 5-6-year-old’s classrooms for 2 1/2 hours one day a week, I would assist with and participate in classroom activities; giving the children the opportunity to hear and hopefully speak English while interacting with someone from another culture. Sounded lovely to me!

I have now been in each classroom once. The staff is so welcoming and the children are simply adorable. Upon arriving, each child was prompted to bow, say “Good Morning” in Korean, and then “My name is…” (in English). They smiled and nodded at my feeble attempts to repeat their names. Child’s play is pretty universal… I have played in the kitchen, made pizza, read books, played catch, and sang songs. And we talk…I just wish subtitles could float in the air above our heads so that we could each understand what the other is saying. It’s quite comical at times:)

I was so proud when I was able to sing along a bit as the children were taught a new song. And then I discovered that the repetitive words I was picking up on were “BOW-WOW” and “MEOW, MEOW.”  Oh well, you have to start somewhere, right?!

Children’s chopsticks with finger placement guides. I could have used these in adult size!

I look forward to returning next week, and when I do, it will be with English picture books in hand. For I am now the proud owner of a library card from the Songdo International Children’s Library! The Nursery school has a very limited selection of English books, so I thought I’d take a few of my favorites. Reading to children is definitely one of life’s simple pleasures!

Music for the Soul

Songdo Tri-Bowl

The lights at the base of the Tri-Bowl continually change colors. It’s quite stunning.

Three concerts in one week…how fortunate I am!  Aside from the sensational music, here are a few other memories I took away with me.

The first concert starred a lovely pianist at the Songdo Tri-Bowl. Rex and I entered the seating area and were greeted by an usher.  Here is a snippet of the conversation that followed:

*Usher: (smiling and motioning us to the seating on the floor) “.Gamsa-hamnida.” (Thank You)

* Rex: (Pointing to the bleacher seating behind her) “I would like to sit there.”

*Usher: (For a second time, directing us to the floor seating): “Gamsa-hamnida.”

* Rex: (Pointing again to the bench seating) “We sit there?”

Playing with so much emotion, you could see and feel that the keys were an extension of herself.

Suwon Civic Chorale

What a surprise – I was familiar with four of the selections and the encore, “New York, New York” !

* Usher: “Only for old and sick, like knee and hip.”

*Rex: (Touching his spine) “My back hurts.”

* Usher: (Smiling and once again directing us to the floor seating) “Gamsa-hamnida.”

So we sat on the cushions on the floor.  Apparently Rex didn’t look old or sick enough!

The second concert, which we attended at the invitation of Rex’s coworker, opened with a video presentation showcasing highlights of the trip the Suwon Civic Choral had recently made to the U.S.  The itinerary included New York, Washington D.C., and several Ivy League schools where they had studied with other choir directors and given concerts.

The choir was in traditional Korean dress for the first half of the program, and I especially liked the song where I could visualize walking through the forest with birds chirping.  There were literally different types of whistling throughout the piece.

At Intermission, the woman sitting next to me said, “I worry about you.  Since you cannot speak Korean I am afraid that you do not enjoy the concert.”  I thought that was sweet of her to say, and assured her that I was thoroughly enjoying the music.

This was the biggest surprise – at this Korean concert, I was actually familiar with five of the music selections, thanks to subbing in a Korean music class, Brittany’s involvement with the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus, High School Band, and my love for musicals! What I wish I could have understood was the choir director’s commentaries and song introductions.  Fortunately, the same woman translated the following for me; “Shenandoah” was in tribute to John F. Kennedy, on this 50th anniversary of his assassination. The song was now beautiful and emotional.

The final concert was again at the Tri-Bowl.  I am now used to sitting on the floor!

What inspired me about this young musician, was not only her exquisite playing, but also her interactions with the children immediately following her performance.  They lined up, and patiently waited for their turn to get her autograph.  As parents hovered nearby with their cameras poised and ready to shoot, I realized this was a special moment for them.  She gave each child her genuine and undivided attention before autographing the special cards placed in front of her.  It’s those personal moments that inspire others, and I couldn’t help but wonder if any of those children would some day be giving their own concerts.

Inspiring a future musician.

Cello Concert at the Tri-Bowl

November concert brochure for the Tri-Bowl in Songdo.

Free 5:00p.m. Sunday concerts at the Tri-Bowl in Songdo!  September’s venue was a mix of artistic events, and Rex and I attended a traditional Korean dance and drum program.  Sunday evening we listened to a cellist perform; the first of November’s classical music concerts. Both he and his accompanist were outstanding. The lighting was turned down, creating a quiet, more intimate atmosphere.  (Although perfect for the venue, not for pictures…but you’ll get the idea.) This was my first concert with traditional on-the-floor seating, and my second for not understanding a word the MC or performer said. It is fortunate that The Arts speak to one’s soul, so language doesn’t matter 🙂 I look forward to future performances here!

I can’t wait to be musically inspired! Bonus: The program selections are in English as well as Korean  🙂

We like to take these “Where’s Rex/Renae” photos. I think the solution is a bit easier than in the “Where’s Waldo” books.

The cellist (I’m afraid my translation of his name would be incorrect) playing Bach’s Cello Suite No.4, E-flat Major

Preparing to play A.Piazzolla’s Le Grand Tango. Fabulous cello and piano composition!

The auditorium space within the Tri-Bowl cultural exhibition center seats about 400 people, and has a visually unique architectural design, both inside and out. Its three connected bowls represent the interconnectedness of the land (Korea), sea (surrounding the peninsula and home to the Port of Incheon), and sky (the Incheon Bridge connects the Incheon International Airport to New Songdo). Impressive by day, and stunningly lit at night.  (Hopefully I can add evening pics someday.)

Cross the bridge over the reflecting pool and enter through the small doors. I’m sure this is the closest I’ll get to entering a space ship!

Autumn splendor.

 

Putting my teaching skills to work.

Before arriving in Korea I could only imagine what I would do here with my time, and that was a bit difficult since I had no idea what it really meant to become familiar with and live as an expat in a foreign country.   However, I had it in my mind that I would try to find a balance between personal interests, couple/family and social time, and work. For the month of September, focusing on the first three areas was definitely my priority.  And it has been so rejuvenating!  But I also sought out teaching connections, hoping that I would be able to tutor privately and/or volunteer or substitute teach in a nearby school.  The benefits would include keeping my teaching skills sharp, gaining experience from teaching in a different setting, helping other teachers and students, and building new relationships. I am so please with how this has progressed!

* Chadwick International School. Being only two blocks from my apartment and a school that is taught in English, I figured this would be the most likely place for me to put my teaching skills to work.  After a meeting with the elementary school principal and a tour of the (quite incredible) facilities, I was told that they would be happy to have me sub and/or volunteer in their BK-5th grade classrooms!

* Updating my Alien Registration Card to include a work visa. New risk taking experiences followed!  First, I had to take a taxi to Inha University Hospital in Incheon to get a physical.  I’ve never hailed a taxi (it’s been years since I’ve even ridden in one!) and the idea of finding the International Clinic within a foreign hospital was a bit daunting.  The Chadwick HR administrator kindly wrote down the address of the Hospital and the Immigration Office so that I could simply hand it to the taxi driver to (hopefully!) get where I needed to go.  It worked:)  I found the clinic on the 3rd floor, and after vision,hearing and blood tests, a chest x-ray, and 100,00 won, I was told to return in three days for the results.  My second trip by taxi was much less stressful.  I received my medical results and took them, along with extensive paperwork from the school and 60,000 won, to the Immigration Office. A kind gentleman processed the paperwork, took my passport, and instructed me to return in one week for my ‘stamped with teaching visa’ passport. That I did…and now I can teach and be paid!

* My first substitute teaching job.  At Chadwick Middle School, fall parent-teacher conferences take place during three consecutive school days. So I was asked to teach 6th grade science and 7th grade math.  I was given a Mac computer and an introductory lesson for Google Chrome and Google Docs, none of which I had ever used before! It was a very nice three days; welcoming staff, helpful and respectful students, and beautiful facility with an International cafeteria.

*Future subbing.  I have structured my week so that I have two days available for subbing at the Village (elementary) and Middle schools. Sounds perfect to me 🙂

*Volunteering.  A 3rd grade teacher at the Village school has welcomed me into his classroom for 1 1/2 hours, two afternoon a week.  They structure their content and “specials” teaching around themes, so this week I led the reading portion of Centers where we incorporated LA skills with science solar system concepts.  Fun:)

* Tutoring.  I am thoroughly enjoying my work with an 8th grade student (one of the most educationally independent, self-motivated, and enthusiastic learners I have ever met!), and next week I will begin working on English speaking and pronunciation skills with a 4th grade student. Both of these tutoring opportunities came about through connections from friends in the Korean language class.  I am so thankful for these relationships and the willingness of others to refer me to their friends!

So my “work” life has taken shape nicely.  I am feeling quite content, fortunate, and thankful.

Six degrees of separation…Or just two?

This entry stems from my previous “Kindness” post…

It turns out that I did make a difference in someone’s life today:)

As Jane and I were talking on the way to my apartment, we discussed a variety of topics including the Korean language class, the fact that she had lived in Australia, and that I had met women from other countries, including Australia.

When Jane pointed out the 6405 Bus and explained that it is the one to take to Seoul, I explained that I had already been to Seoul, having gone with a group of women I had met soon after I arrived in Korea. I’m not sure why I mentioned that their husbands were pilots (except that women tend to share about their children, grandchildren, and what their husbands do for a living), but I’m glad I did.

Jane quickly pieced together various parts of our conversation, and explained that she had also met a woman who was from Australia, whose husband worked with planes, who had told her about a Korean language class. The two had exchanged contact information and she really wanted to talk to her again, but had lost the information. Could we both be talking about the same woman? If so, I could be their reconnecting link!

After my groceries had been delivered and Jane returned home, I got online and sent an email to  my friend to describe the woman I had just met and ask if she knew her.

The reply came back quickly…”Yes, I know her!”. She too had wanted to talk or meet with Jane again but had been unable to reach her.  I was able to reconnect them!

The smallness of our world, with its billions of people, never ceases to amaze me! As does the series of events that brought Jane and I together at that specific place and time, with the conversation pieces that were able to reveal a mutual acquaintance whom she had not been able to reconnect with. I smile at the wonder of it all!