[Harp-L] Save the chromatic from possible extinction

[Rich Machiz <Richmachiz@xxxxxxx>]

Dear List,

Many of the great players of the past have departed. Also the  
audience that loved them have have departed. To bring back the past  
is impossible. To revitalize the chromo I think some fresh ideas are  
required.

1) We need new, fresh material. Any songwriters out there?

2) Amateur players who are at or  near professional level need to go  
into the schools and play and teach. Find out what the kids are  
singing in the school yard and learn that stuff.
    About five years ago I did just that before auditioning for  
"Young Audiences", a non-profit booking agency that booked talent  
into the schools. The kids were singing "I Believe I Can Fly". When  
my guitarist and I played it for the kids,  the auditioning audience  
sang along without any prompting. I found out later that was why we  
were one of only two acts chosen for the upcoming season out of fifty  
acts auditioning. I repeat, play in the schools and do as Blackie  
suggests. Tell them about the instrument.

3) Improve your own level of play.If more players sound good, more  
people will take an interest.

4) Be realistic. Where does the chromo fit in the greater scheme of  
things. There is a niche audience for the chromo. It  is limited, not  
out of disrespect for the instrument or because it needs to be  
renamed.  The chromo has a wonderful sound and it is capable of  
creating many different moods. Using movies as an example, musical  
directors request Toots or Tommy Morgan or others because they know  
and understand their sound, style and capabilities. They use the  
chromo when it fits. At other times they use the sax, violin,  
keyboards etc. This in no way demeans the chromo, it simply is not as  
universal as other instruments for setting a particular mood. If more  
players achieved a higher skill level and developed their own "voice"  
and their own "sound", perhaps, just perhaps the chromo would receive  
more attention.

Of course, all of the above is just my humble opinion.

Best,
Rich Machiz