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. Ron Smith
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.
01:28 27 September 2013 by GS Jade Barrett, USA CSBNews correspondent.
“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion”! Leigh Hunt
Deborah Barrett Price
Another redeye flight for Anna and me as we head off to Cleveland, Ohio for a family gathering. While we are there to celebrate my sister – the magnificent violist[ilink url=”http://www.bw.edu/academics/conservatory/people/alumni/”] Deborah Barrett Price [/ilink] – there will undoubtedly be a bridge game.
Our family grew up playing the game virtually daily, in fact, 48 years later, we still keep our hearts and heads together through it. Bridge has helped us through the toughest of times, providing a connection that did not require more than the dialog of the game to bond us together.
Constance E.Barrett
My father and I managed to keep our personal lines of communication open by playing together when we were unable to get along. My sister, Constance, and I have spent many hours on BridgeBase (BBO) together as we have only been able to be in the same physical location three or four times in the last ten years. My mother is a neophyte online, but a quick study. She also plays on BBO – her handle? Jadesmom
Stephanie Price
My sister has a great sense of humor.
Editor’s note – The Barrett family is more famous for music than they are for bridge! Deborah Barrett Price (Viola), Dr Constance E Barrett (Cello), Stephanie Price (Viola) and Kyle Price (Cello), are world renowned musicians and music educators. You can find examples of their performances on YouTube, Reddit and iTunes.
From:Stephanie Price. Kyle Price
This is my performance from my week at the Orford Arts Centre for the North American Viola Institute (NAVI). Basically NAVI is viola boot-camp and it’s awesome. Enjoy! Stephanie Price.
