Last night I went to my first orchestral rehearsal. I'm dying to tell you how I faired at not having played in 5 years! I actually did all right—it's like once you learn how to ride a bicycle, it comes back to you rather quickly. Of course my site reading sucks, my speed is slow, and I still struggle with rhythm, but I always had a problem with keeping time, so these are areas for me to work on.

My question was answered: what the heck kind of part would a cellist have for Scottish music since that is the theme of our concert in March? Pizzicatto! There is an unusual amount of plucking to be done. This is good. No bowing required. Just find the note and pluck.

I did locate a cello teacher nearby, but haven't the courage to find out how much lessons cost. I know if I keep with playing I'd like to learn how to do the higher positions, and learn how to read the different clefts. Some notes reach into the treble cleft and those notes scare me!

There's a lot of nice bass notes to play. I love the deeper tones of the cello. It's very soothing to me. Kind of like a giant kitty purring.

The size of the orchestra is pretty impressive. I'm the 7th cellist and there is a full section of violins to have a first and second part. A few violists, and there is sufficient wood winds and we have percussionists. I sat right in front of the kettle drums last night. The vibrations were palpable!

So, if I keep at this cello thing I will eventually want to procure my red hued beauty. Meanwhile, I need to come up with a name for the cello I have, since it does require a name. My first cello's name was Winston. I haven't even determined if this cello is a boy or girl. I respect its privacy and I don't peek inside of its F-holes!