played at a funeral

[bejoyous]

I played at my mother's funeral. Toughest gig ever. I don't really recommend doing it. The performance was ok but it could've been a major disaster.

BTW, I played O Danny Boy in Eb, once in 1/2 position area then an octave higher.

[fusoid]

Condolences. It was nice you played for her service.

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Sorry to hear that. Playing would be a good tribute. I never understand how people close to the departed can sing at funerals without completely falling apart - I always do when they do it.

[bejoyous]

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

I never understand how people close to the departed can sing at funerals without completely falling apart.

I was OK during the two minutes of playing but I lost it after I had put the bass down and had gone back to my seat. I had to mentally and physically rehearse it many times before hand, too.

I still don't recommend it. The borrowing an instrument, transporting it, practicing it to get used to it, storing it, etc took up a lot of mental space when I could have been helping my brothers with other stuff.

However, my Mom was my biggest supporter of my musical training and encourager of a musical career so it was nice to pay tribute that way. I guess I would have been full of regret if I hadn't.

[TroyK]

Condolences. Like Chris, I don't think i could hold it together. It's a nice parting gift to your mom that you did.

[Michael Case]

Condolences, I've done it for a friend. Her mother's funeral myself, guitar, and vocalist. It was pretty tough as soon as we started I heard my friend break down. I couldn't imagine doing it for someone I was close to.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by bejoyous

I played at my mother's funeral. Toughest gig ever. I don't really recommend doing it. The performance was ok but it could've been a major disaster.

BTW, I played O Danny Boy in Eb, once in 1/2 position area then an octave higher.

My condolences on your considerable loss Bryan, and my respect. There's no way I could have played at my mom's funeral.

[Treyzer]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

My condolences on your considerable loss Bryan, and my respect. There's no way I could have played at my mom's funeral.

My feeling exactly! Lost my mom this last August 1st. Didn't have to play, but I had to give the eulogy. One of the hardest things I've ever done! My best to you and yours Bryan.

[Monkey]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I can only imagine how hard that was, but I'm sure it meant a lot to your family and it was a beautiful tribute to your mother.

[two fingers]

Lifting one up for your family.

[atomicdog]

Kudos. I couldn't even bring myself to eulogize my mother at her funeral, I was too broken up. So I send you big props for pulling it together at such an emotional time. Cheers.