An open letter to my landlord:
You might have noticed that I started playing an instrument a few months ago. In case it's not entirely clear what that instrument is, it's a cello. When played correctly, the cello is the most beautiful instrument I know of, and my goal is to learn to play it really well. That is why I am writing to let you know that you will be hearing Christmas carols every day, and sometimes multiple times a day, from now until December 23rd. Please don't kill me.
Operation Christmas Carol will begin with Jingle Bells, also known on the cello as: down bow F sharp, F sharp, F shaaarp, F sharp F sharp F shaaarp, F sharp, A, D, E, F shaaarp etc. Over the next few days or more, my rendition of Jingle Bells will sound less like Jing/Gle/Bells, Jing/Gle/Bells, and more like the version with which you are familiar. I promise.
I am not sure yet which Christmas carol is next on my agenda, because I still have to learn the notes, but I plan to also play Silent Night and Adeste Fidelis, which are my favorites. I hope that as the time passes, you will begin to appreciate how my cello sounds less strangled and more joyful. Ideally, you might even sing along! If you have any Christmas requests, feel free to call me, and I'll be glad to oblige. Just be sure that you request something that you really like, since you'll be hearing it repeatedly from now until December.
Operation Christmas Carol is important to my evolution as a cellist for a variety of reasons: Since I know what Christmas carols are supposed to sound like, I will know intuitively whether I am playing the notes incorrectly, and will be able to correct my mistakes easily. Familiarity with the songs also means that when I play, my hands will be more relaxed, and the best cellists are relaxed cellists.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and thank you for not evicting me during this not-so-undercover operation. Learning the cello takes a lot of time and money. Lessons, rental fees, and cello accessories are expensive. Combined with other expenses, like rent, I will not be able to afford very many Christmas presents for my friends and family this year. Operation Christmas Carol is my present for them. And for you. A little early. Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Alexa Kontes
You might have noticed that I started playing an instrument a few months ago. In case it's not entirely clear what that instrument is, it's a cello. When played correctly, the cello is the most beautiful instrument I know of, and my goal is to learn to play it really well. That is why I am writing to let you know that you will be hearing Christmas carols every day, and sometimes multiple times a day, from now until December 23rd. Please don't kill me.
Operation Christmas Carol will begin with Jingle Bells, also known on the cello as: down bow F sharp, F sharp, F shaaarp, F sharp F sharp F shaaarp, F sharp, A, D, E, F shaaarp etc. Over the next few days or more, my rendition of Jingle Bells will sound less like Jing/Gle/Bells, Jing/Gle/Bells, and more like the version with which you are familiar. I promise.
I am not sure yet which Christmas carol is next on my agenda, because I still have to learn the notes, but I plan to also play Silent Night and Adeste Fidelis, which are my favorites. I hope that as the time passes, you will begin to appreciate how my cello sounds less strangled and more joyful. Ideally, you might even sing along! If you have any Christmas requests, feel free to call me, and I'll be glad to oblige. Just be sure that you request something that you really like, since you'll be hearing it repeatedly from now until December.
Operation Christmas Carol is important to my evolution as a cellist for a variety of reasons: Since I know what Christmas carols are supposed to sound like, I will know intuitively whether I am playing the notes incorrectly, and will be able to correct my mistakes easily. Familiarity with the songs also means that when I play, my hands will be more relaxed, and the best cellists are relaxed cellists.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and thank you for not evicting me during this not-so-undercover operation. Learning the cello takes a lot of time and money. Lessons, rental fees, and cello accessories are expensive. Combined with other expenses, like rent, I will not be able to afford very many Christmas presents for my friends and family this year. Operation Christmas Carol is my present for them. And for you. A little early. Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Alexa Kontes
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