chonguri times

Ben came to our onefourfive rehearsal yesterday and showed off his chonguri prowess. Wow! He also accompanied us on a few songs, which was new for him.  He explained that most of his experience learning polyphonic Georgian songs at the Conservatoire was with a teacher singing one part, playing another on the piano, and then he sang the 3rd part.  It was a new experience for him to get to sing with a group, while all 3 parts are being sung.   How strange! (Note to self, maybe studying Georgian folk songs while staying in the US is not so bad?!?)

It also made me realize how nice it is to have someone else playing the chonguri, so I can be  teaching parts or correcting things without having to stop what I'm doing.  There's a freedom that exists when you're not behind an instrument... especially when it's ME behind the instrument.   This adds data to my idea that I would like someone to be my personal chonguri/banjo player, and he/she could just follow me around and accompany me on my favorite songs, and also noodle on things around the house.  That's my idea of heaven.