Memory Lane

Today I go to Tempe to pick up my violin bow which was being re haired at "The String Shop of Arizona" (No, I'm not advertising). I took my student Amy and her mother Mary who actually drove us there to get Amy fitted for a higher chin rest or shoulder rest so she can play more comfortably since she has a beautiful long neck. We get there and we were serviced by Andrew a young man with a very heavy Polish accent. He was very helpful but he kind of embarrassed Amy by saying her neck is like fitting the Eiffel tower, which is tall and skinny. But Amy is a good sport about it all. They do have to extend the chin rest up 1 inch with wood inserts which will be completed next week.

During this whole process I asked about my shoulder pad problem and how I had to play my violin at an awkward angle because of my wrist. Well, in walks Terry, the owner, who I knew from long ago ago and he ends up fitting me with a new chin rest and shoulder pad that helps to make the playing very comfortable. The only thing is, I have less money in my bank account than I anticipated, but I know it sure is worth it to play more comfortably.

Here is the best part of the whole visit to The Sting Shop.

I knew that Dr. Frank Spinosa, my former violin professor sometimes came there. Andrew told me that he has a studio in the back of the shop and he comes in and teaches from there. Low and behold after we had been there a while I hear a violin being played. I asked, "Is that him back there?" I was so excited and I repeated myself a couple of times that I must have sounded like someone wanting to see a rock star. Well, Andrew told me to go down the hall and knock on the studio door. So I did go down the hallway and knocked on the door. I was so anxious and excited that I may be able to see him again. I heard the old familiar, "Come In!" from the other side of the door. I opened the door to see rather surprised face and then the biggest smile. There across the room was that sweet smile of Dr. Frank Spinosa and even an acknowledgement of recognition. Of course we both have aged, gee it's been 15 years! We gave a big hug and shared some sweet moments and then I called Amy to the back and introduced them and then through it all he told Amy I was an excellent player and that I can teach her a lot.

All in all we spent about 2 hours in the Sting Shop. We all laughed and had a good time spending money!! Andrew said they really need to make a cafe' with some delicious Polish pasteries on the side for these good times.

NOW I just need to make an appointment for my Jon to see him and maybe even get a mini lesson on bowing.

The picture you see on this entry is an "Old" picture of Dr. Spinosa from 1966, he was just a young man then and I was in high school. Wow has time flown by!