MUSINGS
GUEST COLUMNIST G AY L EN E J O E WA LT E R , P H I C H I , F R E S N O A LU M N I
LET’S GO BACK TO THE BOW Leading an amateur string ensemble channels a love for teaching
ave you ever wanted to lead a group of adult musicians who love to play but never pursued it professionally? That is exactly how the Fresno, California, group called Back to the Bow came to be. One of our founding members reminded me at a recent practice that 2022 was the group’s 20th anniversary. Back to the Bow began as small group of adult musicians who had played a string instrument in their youth. They were all studying privately again with a local string teacher who encouraged ensemble playing for their own enjoyment. One participant, a doctor, enjoyed playing in ensembles along with his 8-year-old son. He suggested finding someone to lead and rehearse the group on a regular basis. Many ideas were bounced around such as paying the leader, meeting on a weekly basis and finding a venue in which to meet. It was finally decided that we would meet twice a month and Back to the Bow was born. I volunteered to organize and lead the rehearsals and performances after attending one of their sessions. I also choose the music and find venues where we can perform. The group members suggest venues as well. We have performed for many events, including open houses, private parties, weddings, assisted living facility programs and funerals. We do not get paid, but we happily accept food for our time. We started off meeting at Vintage Gardens, an assisted living facility where my mother was a resident. The facility asked us to perform for them one evening a month in exchange for a free facility in which to rehearse. We practiced for our monthly performances here or used the residents as a dress rehearsal for upcoming performances at other venues. Over the years, the group has grown from its eight founding members to over 25 string players. Members include both practicing and retired educators, health professionals, administrators, computer techs, construction workers, librarians, agriculture specialists, accountants and even a lawyer. 2
MuPhiEpsilon.org
In December, the Fresno Alumni chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon usually presents a public program. I have been fortunate enough to have the Mu Phi members join Back to the Bow in presenting a joint holiday program to the residents at Vintage Gardens. Fraternity members sing or play holiday arrangements along with Back to the Bow and then we accompany the residents in a sing-along. This is the most enjoyable part for me as I am able to get out amongst the residents and interact with them while the musicians are playing as an ensemble. My goal is for the group to be able to play without a leader. Our main thrust throughout the years has been to play for assisted living facilities or for patients in the hospital. This was made very difficult with the onset of COVID-19 and the quarantines. We had to stop meeting and stop playing. This was a challenging time for the group. I tried to keep up group morale by sending out an upbeat monthly newsletter with encouraging quotes and updates on the lives of our members. Others told me they appreciated the enthusiasm and inspiration I delivered, in spite of being in a funk myself during the pandemic and quarantine.