Interesting Email

[SlideMeister]

Got an email that, when I tried to answer was returned because of some sort of delivery issue. I thought it was worth sharing. The guy said/asked:

Say i have a curious question. I don't always stop over at the SlideMeister forums but twice i have received these zoom invites. Are these performance zooms? Board Meetings? Social? This may make me want to look in.
Thanks!

To which, I answered:

Well, The fact that you're getting them shows that you are, in fact, a SlideMeister member. I hope the emails aren't annoying you, cuz I couldn't just exclude the one that comes to you, and the only way to stop receiving them would be for you to quit. (and I hope you don't do that😉)

The meetings are casual. We talk and rotate playing opportunities between participants, some play, some just listen. Just like on the forum, we have everything from beginners to pros sharing and playing. Nothing too "polished," mistakes are tolerated and laughed at. Heck, you could try playing a number you've never even tried to play before and no one would care; it's all just fun. Even though it can be, this isn't supposed to be "entertainment," just more like "fellowship." Like it says on the SlideMeister.com's homepage, we're just a:
". . . . multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chromatic harmonica "Sandbox" whose
members are, just like ​a bunch of happy kids, sharing toys and ideas."

If I ever feel the need to do something like an "insider's meeting," I'll just use my own personal Zoom channel and invite just the supporting members.

Hope this answered your questions,😁

Thanx,

A.J.Fedor

[brorat]

Really good answer, Age!  I think we can do a better job of encouraging folks to join in our Zoom sessions.  The more, the merrier!  I realize that "time zones" do make a big difference about who joins in and who doesn't.  It's amazing to see folks sitting in on the sessions at midnight!  Shows just how much this world of harmonicas means to some.

Personally, I have found the sessions fun, enlightening, and educational.  I've loved "meeting" some of the folks on the forum, and by stepping up and playing some myself, I've built my confidence level a lot

I would encourage all members to jump onto the see how you like it.  It's easy to get on (well, most of the time ), and it's easy to get off!

[Age]

I think the thought "having to play," even in front of friendly faces,😬 (even though no one is actually expected to or required to) is psychologically beneficial in many ways. It helps with your "confidence" level, and might even get us to prepare and practice where we might not have otherwise.

It also has a way of training us on "how technical stuff works," eh? 

[Gary Richardson]

I do not play but am certainly enjoying and learning.  The fellowship is great.  I would encourage SlideMeisters to try it out.

[Age]

The meetings have already (more or less) forced me to revamp my system, and even finish my little music room in the basement. It's so nice (and so functional) down there now that it might even make me wanna play more.😁

[MikeB]

      The biggest reason I joined was because of the comradery I saw during the all of the posts. Then to join these meetings as a listener (since I am having trouble even getting the basics, but not giving up) only confirmed what I was reading. There is such an inclusive attitude with this site that just cannot be ignored. It makes this site feel like I have an extended family, willing to help with what ever endeavor I chose with the Chromatic. I cannot express enough how nice it feels to have this in our failing society. All I can say is thankyou & keep up with the great environment you have set here.
      I also have to agree with Brorat, the Zoom meeting are very educational as well as entertaining. I enjoy the great playing, mistakes & all, but also enjoy some of the songs history given during those sessions.