Greetings!

[Kaiser]

Hello all! I was happily directed to this forum from another (though not classical) music forum and I've been enjoying reading the posts and soaking up information posted here like crazy. Classical music is not entirely new to me, but I could hardly describe myself as an "expert" by any means. I am also a musician (if you consider percussion a musical instrument!) and have mainly performed in blues, rock and jazz groups over the years (though I did enjoy a little performance time in high school orchestras, marching bands, etc...). While my main listening time has been devoted to blues, jazz and rock & roll, I have become increasingly critical of recent trends in popular music (surprise?). Realizing how much I greatly prefer listening to non-vocal, lyric-oriented music these days I have recently decided to dive head-first into the world of "serious music". While I've enjoyed pieces by Debussy, Ravel, Haydn, Varese, Berlioz and Stravinsky over the years I am now engaged in adding more discs to my collection and putting those into "heavy rotation". It is a timely and welcome change for me. My personal listening time is quite compromised – I'm a full-time high school history teacher with a family (4 teenagers Lord help me!) – but I am trying to spend a little time everyday listening and re-listening. More like "immersion" actually! In any case I just wanted to say a quick hello – I may be more of a "lurker" than a "participant" in discussions, but I do like to ask questions once in awhile. The influence of this forum on my listening and purchasing habits is already upon me – I should be taking delivery of that big ol' box of Stravinsky (the 22 disc job) any day now. Cheers!       -------- Chris

[Hollywood]

Greetings from Vienna, Austria Chris. Welcome to the forum. 

Don't worry about perhaps being more of a "lurker" than a regular "participant" (I pretty much could pass as a lurker myself).  I actually do check out this forum everyday but I post only when I have something to say, which obviously isn't all that often. So feel free to pop in whenever your in the neighborhood. 

[david johnson]

 hi! 

dj

[Wanderer]

Welcome! 

[Kaiser]

Thanks for the welcome words, folks! I'm having a great time plowing through the threads here (currently lost in the Great Recordings thread!). As I continue to learn and listen I look forward to joining in with the excellent dialog and banter found here. Cheers!
-------- Chris

[knight66]

Chris, I hope you enjoy lots of time here and that you will feel happy to contribute.

Cheers,

Mike

[Maciek]

Welcome!

[bhodges]

Hi Chris, and welcome (from NYC, not too far from you).  I just want to add, of course percussion is a musical instrument!  (Speaking as a huge percussion fan.)

Anyway, enjoy yourself, and have fun.  This is a great board, with some fascinating people.

--Bruce

[SonicMan46]

Hello Chris - welcome to the GMG Forum - really a great place for all kinds of music, i.e. plenty of activity in the 'Non-Classical Music' thread - please feel at ease to post your questions, opinions, or recommendations - we have a bunch of characters on this forum but most are quite knowledgeable about music of all types!  Hope that you enjoy and looking forward to your participation - 

[Kaiser]

Thanks again for all the encouraging words! Although I have listened to classical/serious music a bit in the past, I've stepped up my intake in the past year. This forum has been very helpful in guiding me toward some good recordings and helping me to "get a grip" so to speak on some conductors/composers/orchestras, etc........
Not having grown up in the classical tradition, I feel as though I have a lot to soak up information-wise. I did take some music history courses in college and though that was a while ago some of what I learned then is coming back with the help of all the great scholarship and "ears" here! Bright Moments!
--------- Chris

[karlhenning]

Welcome, Chris!

[Kaiser]

Aha! Nice to see another Stanshall-fan here! That has got to be my favorite quote from the great Ginger Geezer himself. Very cool! You folks really have good taste here, I must say! Very happy to be here.............now cue the Rawlinsons on trombone, Count Basie Orchestra on triangle.......ding!.........thank you! 
--------- Chris

[Harry]

A very warm welcome to you:)

[Kaiser]

Thanks Harry!