The Bridge Road Warriors: Cleveland, Ohio

07:02 30 September 2013 by GS Jade Barrett, USA CSBNews correspondent

 

«Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good plays, good company, good conversation – what are they? They are the happiest people on Earth» – William Lyon Phelps

 

I have to add good food, good wine and good bridge.

 

This past weekend reinforced my belief of the existence of close connection between music and bridge.  As we attended and participated in festivities celebrating my sister Deborah Barrett Price’s ongoing life in music as both a performer and pedagogue, there were many other celebrants who were incidentally bridge players.

 

Aside from the five members of my immediate family who are both, George Rapee’s brother, Erno was a magnificent Conductor; Easley Blackwood’s son, Easley Blackwood Jr is one of the finer composers of the USA; Ron Smith – previously of San Francisco, now out of Las Vegas – is a great pianist, as is August Boehm. Eric Rodwell is very good as well, Steve Apodaca is both an excellent pianist and composer (and a former record producer, too!), among many other experts of the instrument; the rock supergroup RadioHead all play; Platinum Lifemaster Mary Savko is an amazing flautist; there are simply too many superb Vocalists to count; Scott Waldron was the ACBL King of Bridge (given to a graduating High School student) and a violinist who captured many competitive titles in that discipline.

 

The list of excellent musicians which who are accomplished bridge athletes is substantial, as is the vast number of players who are patrons of Symphonies, Orchestras, Choral groups, Ballet companies, Theatre companies and just about everything connected to these superb endeavors.

 

Musicians who play bridge are likely to be more creative in the expression of their music, while Bridge Athletes who are musically trained are better at expressing themselves despite the limited vocabulary of the game. Given the connection between Music and Math skill, it is no surprise that bridge is well connected to both of these as well. I often train players with music (and upon occasion, just a metronome) in the background, using it as another piece of minutia that helps build the memory of the lesson. When they have trouble recalling what they have been taught, they can play the tune or song (or beat) in their head, frequently helping them find the way to the answer they seek. I do this for myself, as I play best at a particular tempo. Many players hum, some subvocalize while singing to themselves, still others tap their fingers or feet to the unheard sound. This is not intended to annoy their opponents, but to recreate an environment where they are comfortable and strong.

 

Through these techniques, I personally continue to improve my memory and my results.