Glass Serenade (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Have you ever heard of a “Glass Harmonica?” Otherwise known as a glass armonica, glass harmonium, bowl organ, or hydrocrystalophone, this musical instrument composed of rotating glass bowls was invented by Benjamin Franklin and became so notorious for creating eerie melodies that a bunch of superstitions and spooky tales appeared about it.

Journal Entry #28 – Learning the Violin: Day Two

Well, it’s Day Two of having a violin, and I’ve made some great strides in learning the notes on the finger board and a great deal about the instrument, in general. I’ve also snapped several strings, since the ones that came with the violin were kind of flimsy and apparently not installed properly for me

Journal Entry #27–Adventures in Playing the Violin

UPS delivered my full-size (or 4/4) violin the other afternoon. It came in a comfy case, alongside a hydrometer (to measure the humidity), rosin (to lubricate the bow string), and extra strings. After getting over the initial wonder at the smooth texture of its body and lightness, other little details became apparent. For instance, I

Journal Entry #26–I’m Getting a Violin!

I happened to come across a reasonably priced violin on Amazon recently. Having always admired the sweet songs that violins can create, and curious about trying out a stringed instrument, I placed an order for it. Then my family members learned about this move, and started rushing out to order things like beginning violin books