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Member since? 

Founded the band in January 2015

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What is your musical background/history? 

I have always loved music, especially live music, ever since I can remember. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to be involved in the school band.  When the time finally came, (4th grade) I was not allowed to play an instrument. (don't ask) To get around that restriction, I sang in the chorus.  As an adult I taught myself some guitar.  I can play basic chords, make stuff up and I love to finger pick.  

 

 

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What is your favorite “Band Song” to play? 

• You would think “More Cowbell”, but I'm actually terrified and stressed when we play it because I worry that I'll mess it up for everyone.

• My just about favorite song of all time is Zoot Suit Riot.  It’s currently on a mix CD in my car and gets put on repeat, repeatedly.  As most of you also know, I have become rather enamored of Sweet Caroline lately.  This has caused my entire NY-based, contingent of relatives and friends to disown me, but I don’t mind.

•  I pretty much like every song where I feel like what I'm doing on the bass drum is actually contributing to the song.

 

 

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What do you do when you are not playing music? (work/hobbies/for fun???)

• I work at Children's Hospital as a PACS administrator- Essentially a sys admin for medical imaging. I also train physicians to use medical imaging software (a.k.a. Cat Herding) and I move images to and from other facilities.

• For fun... I have to keep moving...I get cranky when I don’t get to move.  I retired from doing triathlons because I refuse to ride my bike on the streets of BHM any longer.  I still like to run, hit things and lift heavy stuff.  I'm a bit of a bird watcher and plane spotter.  My geeky hobby that I recently invented, is partly the result of growing up around small planes, and partly because of both of my jobs in the Air Force.  I combine all interests and listen to the BHM control tower, while simultaneously trying to figure out what birds and planes I’m seeing.  When the weather is bad, I stay inside and monitor Flight Aware as well and try to keep up with the air traffic controllers.  Haven't had time for much else lately but hope to soon get back to things like kayaking, fishing, golf…

 

 

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What type of animal/breed of dog/cat/bird/fish/other etc…. best reflects your personality and why? 

In my heart, I'd like to think I'm an Australian Shepherd, like my dogs were. My head tells me (as do others around me) that I'm a bit more like a Jack Russell Terrier.

 

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Tell us something fun!  You know, like “That one time at band camp…” Or elsewhere.  (funny anecdote/story/amazing coincidence/hidden talent/celebrity encounter, etc…) 

I bounced around to 3 different Jr. High Schools when I was a kid.  I am not sure where or how other members of chorus learned to read music, or when that was taught, but by the time I got to high school, it seemed to be expected.  I obviously missed that part.  I never knew or realized that when they handed us the little folders with the lyrics, that the notes on the staff were also for us.  All I ever looked at were the lyrics. I thought the rest of that music stuff was for the piano that accompanied us.  I must have done well enough by ear, because no one ever said anything to me about not being able to sing the parts, so I was passed along with everyone else.  I truly had no clue I was missing something. One day, in my own, real life version of "Why Johnny Can't Read", this came to a head in class.  We had a new piece of music and the teacher decided to try something a little different.  He called one person out from each section down to the front to sing it for the first time.  I should also mention that due to an undiagnosed thyroid problem, I was the only female in the tenor section.  Yes, my voice was that deep.  Anyway, I had always learned the parts by either listening to the director sing them to us, or by listening to everyone around me and matching what they did.  In fact, I never really considered myself a singer at all, as much as I thought I was merely a good mimic.  Thank goodness I had learned to harmonize from hours singing along to the radio and to 8 track tapes of the Everly Brothers! We started singing and I somehow figured out the tenor part.  It went well but when I got back to my seat I was flustered. I asked the guy I sat next to how the heck we were supposed to know what to sing without hearing it first from the director.  He said, "You're supposed to look at the music on the page, duh...."     That was when I realized I was musically illiterate.  

 

That is, and has been changing since becoming a part of the CCB.  I can honestly say that being part of this band has completely opened up a whole new way of appreciating, hearing and listening to music for me.  I have learned how all of the instruments sound, I’m attempting to learn to read bass clef (because I have this bass guitar…) and I suppose I should get more serious about drumming and learn that too. It has been an amazing education so far and I am loving it.