Cello through the trimesters

This pregnancy has had its yucky moments, its productive moments, moments of sheer exhaustion and moments of quiet gratitude. I am so happy that through it all I have been able to hold on to my cello teaching and playing.

First Trimester:  I did have to drop out of orchestra rehearsals for a couple of months around this time, but somehow I was able to keep up with my cello students. Back in early November (in the midst of severe morning sickness), I miraculously had a vomit-free day to pull off a student recital for my studio. I definitely could not have done it without Forest's help setting up chairs and the refreshment table. Eight students participated, and everything went remarkably well.

Second Trimester: This past summer I was invited to join a string ensemble playing various music: a movement each from a Haydn quartet, a Mozart quintet, and a Mendelssohn quartet. We met once or twice a month to rehearse. In early February, we performed all of them at the Love Notes Gala: a fundraiser for the Loveland Orchestra. By this point, my pregnancy was a lot more manageable. I was eating normally and had a lot more energy, so I felt up to the challenge of playing chamber music. It was a difficult set and we had a lot of notes, but all of our practice paid off--we sounded pretty good! 

Third Trimester: So far, the last trimester of this pregnancy has not slowed me down much when it comes to cello. I have found myself teaching sixteen cello students, organizing a recital for nine of them, and just as busy as ever rehearsing and performing for orchestra.

With that said, it is probably about time to start slowing down and resting up so I can focus more on our family and upcoming new addition. Sorry, cello--you are going to get packed up and gather a layer of dust this summer, I'm sure!