Playing Piano Improv at WaterMusic

The Web-Story Version

The Blog-Story Version of WaterMusic

This has become an Ithaca tradition. With rare exceptions (during a pandemic, for example) WaterMusic happens each year in the late summer or early autumn. Triphammer Arts and Friends of Stewart Park are the organizations that help to make it possible. I’m truly grateful to them for inviting me to perform again this year.

The idea is that a variety of performers on the shore and in boats around the Ithaca inlet create a concert for people on land or in the water. Lots of kayaks, canoes, SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboards), and other boats lined the shores wherever there was music playing or dancers dancing. The performances are set up so that respectful players won’t interfere with each other’s sound. And the performing groups truly respect and admire each other.

WaterMusic

This year, I decided to perform piano improvisations. In order to do this, I borrowed a Casio Privia PX-5S battery operated digital piano. The Privia performed like a true champ. I was so pleased with the sound, the feel, and — obviously — the portability of the battery power.

Coupled with this was my Roland BA-330 stereo amp combo. This mixer, speaker, and amplifier was an ideal way to let people hear the piano sounds. Once I loaded in fresh batteries, it purred along. (I used my 330 many times that same weekend, all on battery power!)

(This post continues on page 2!)