I was walking toward the SWIC Library here at the Red Bud Campus and after setting down my violin case and backpack, I was approached by a lady wearing a polo shirt with the SWIC emblem on it. She had a smile on her face and asked me if that was a violin in the case. I answered her saying that it was and she said that she played as well. She asked how long I had been playing and I told her that I have played for the past 9 years or so, but that I had just recently started lessons with a professional teacher. I then told her that I also was involved in the Southern Illinois Civic Orchestra at SIUC. She said that she also had played in an orchestra but that she was now teaching bluegrass music at the Bluegrass Shack in New Athens, IL.
We talked for a few more minutes about technique and styles before we started to close our conversation. She said that we should get together and play sometime or meet at the Bluegrass Shack. We shook hands and gave our names, but I'm embarassed to say that I forgot what her name was.
When she had first walked up, I was sure that it would be a waste of my time to talk to her, but I now see that it was actually very helpful. I never would have guessed by her appearance or style of speach that she would play bluegrass music, let alone teach it. It really showed me that even though I know that the stereotypes are inaccurate, I still let myself put her into a category based on what I saw. I'll definitely be more on guard with myself at my next encounter and I look forward to my next visit to the Bluegrass Shack.
That is funny that you blog about this, because I was with Hannah and we were talking to the girl that you had your encounter with and she could not remember your name either. That made me laugh that you both forgot. I am really bad with names too though so do not feel bad. That is not why I think it is funny just that I heard her end of the conversation and now I just read about your end and they were really closely related. She was really excited to run into you too. We live in a big world but when things like that happen we think that the world is small. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is funny how you both forgot. I'm usually pretty good with names , but forget sometimes, Its pretty cool that she ran into you, and now you could go talk to her about her perspective on bluegrass music, and see what she has to say about it.
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