This is a thread where you can just add something about cellists you like who are moving in "new directions". Feel free to add!

The first cellist of this kind to make a big impression on me was Zoe Keating http://www.zoekeating.com/ . What she does is play her acoustic cello via an amazing piece of electronics which allows her to build up layers of ostinati/riffs in real time, i.e. without multi-tracking: the unit is controlled by a set of foot pedals. I think the results are marvellous, with a fantastic pulse and rhythmic energy: a total contrast to the ultra-relaxed new-age styles which the cello normally fits into so easily.

Just wondering. Seems pretty dead here. I read the ICS boards but don't post a lot..... seems like I would have a lot more in common with people on this board since I am not classical at all.

Hoping to meet some of you at the NDCF.... still planning on attending although my job has suddenly become unstable.

Paul

I'm excited to have found the NDCA and this forum. I've played cello for many years, and for the past few have been in an amateur front-porch style bluegrassy band (with guitars, banjo and marimba as the other instruments). I'm skilled enough to enjoy playing music with others, but have never been a hard-practicing soloist sort, nor thought of pursuing cello as a profession.

Recently, however, I've decided to tackle singing while playing cello. Everyone else in the band sings, and vocal skill is not a requirement. So I'd like to move beyond the excuse that singing while playing cello is too hard. I'm hoping that it just takes practice, like anything else?

Hi there. I am considering trying to learn to play the cello, but I don't know much about the instrument except that I like the sound. First of all, I am nearly 40 years old... is there any hope? I have an opportunity to rent (for a reasonable price) an Eastman 100 cello. Does anyone have any comments on this instrument (FYI-I work for a non-profit and so am not exactly rolling in cash)? Also, I could use advice on finding a good, and appropriate, instructor. I have an interest in playing not-so-traditional music/styles (I'm so glad to have found this site!). I would eventually like to do what Howie Day does on the guitar, except on a cello! And I very much like the music of Loreena McKennitt -- I would love to do with a cello what she is able to do with her voice.

It has been my ambition for some time now to one day play the (electric) cello. Trouble is, my "ear" is really bad. I was thinking that putting frets (as on a guitar) on a cello might help me out. I have been in contact with a local instrument-maker who says this is quite easily done. Does anyone here have any opinions/experiences to share about fretted cellos?

I'm doing a research project on the the evolution of cello playing in the last 100 years. If anyone knows of any journals, recordings, artists, or articles that could fill in the gaps between strictly classical performance and the more open minded era of today I would appreciate it. In particular, I am tracking early Jazz, Celtic, and folk cellists, but anything would be helpful.
Thanks

I would like to purchase a used electric cello. Do you have any information or websites that you can recommend?

Regards, Jax Donnelly

I came across this on the internet. Does anyone else have some suggestions on how to increase tipping?

-R

Live Performance: 14 Ways Musicians Can Increase their Tips
By Bard Marc Gunn

1. Introduce yourself by name
Too often musicians forget to introduce themselves on stage. Make sure you tell the audience your band name, but to really boost your tips, you should also introduce yourselves individually. Let people know who you are as an individual and you'll see greater tips.

2. Go out into the audience with a tip jar
You really can't be passive when it comes to getting tips. You have to walk out into the audience with some visual reference that says "Tip Me!", and they will tip you.

Here is a comment from over on the Cello Chat Forum. (cello.org)
What do you all think about this?

"We are the one bucking the trend.

Non traditional applications for cello may be seem OK but overall the survival of Celloland and Classical music in America is in doubt. This is in effect joining the majority."

Any way the size of the fonts used on the BBS can be increased? I find them so small that they are very hard to read. It's not an eyesight thing..... because they are so small, Windoze I think is trying to dither beteween pixels and the result is that they are both small AND fuzzy.

It may have something to do with how they are displayed at various screen resolutions too. At home, I use a laptop at 1024 X 768 (12" LCD screen) and they are small but relatively easy to read. Here at work I use a screen resolution of 1280 X 1024 (17" LCD monitor) and they are almost impossible to read unless I switch to 1024 X 768.