Subject: Re: MENVI discuss: Question about Recitals,and wishing I had more
than two hands

 For those who "just tuned in,"  a new member asked what other blind
 performers do when entering a stage area to perform.

 Scenerio:   holding one's cane, while holding the instrument, while
holding
 a guide's elbow.

 Problem:  one only has two hands to do three things.

 Some discussions follow below:
__________________________________

 From: Fattah Douk:

  It is very important that a blind person acts independently. I am that
  person. However, one needs to understand that there is no insecurities
in
  implementing a tool to facilitate reaching the goal with less stress. It
 is
  like a sighted person using a car instead of taking the bus. So, for me
 I'd
  rather use a guide-person when available than the cane. Also, I only use
 the
  person when he or she offers the elbow first. I accept immediately even
if
 I
  am in a very familiar environment. I think that one has to adopt this
  strategy to help the public come close to us and not be estranged by our
  arrogant answer "no I am fine. Thank you for offering." I think if one
has
  plenty of self confidence, one doesn't need to prove to the world that
one
  can do it alone without assistance. For me, I only know that I am not
  stopped by my blindness, and when I am alone I act alone. I have
observed
 a
  lot of my sighted friends who accept help from each other with no
problem.
  They even accept help from me like when we are together for whatever
 purpose
  (rehearsal, studying, or fun), and I get up to go get something to eat
or
  something from the soda machine, they ask me to get something for them
as
  well. Remember these are people that offer me their elbow all the time.
  Holding on to somebody's elbow only makes the experience comfortable in
 two
  ways: First, you keep up with their pace, which keeps the interaction
  smooth. And second, they don't need to keep watching for you, and in
 return,
  you don't delay them. Usually, when somebody offers an elbow, know that
 this
  person is friendly and wants to strike a conversation that you can
control
  inadvertently because in this situation you are the boss.
  As far as performing as an individual, I think blindness should play in
 your
  favor. First, you don't see people's faces and their complections which
 tend
  to bother a lot of sighted performers. Blindness can help you to isolate
  yourself in the crowd and feel comfortable as if you are in your own
room
  practicing. one needs to learn how to use anything at reach towards
one's
  own advantage. Also, once you are on stage, you are the boss. Whatever
you
  deliver is taken for granted. Here, it's ok to feel stronger and better
 than
  the rest. This feeling will push away any anxieties.
  Enough for now.
  Douk

   From: "William R. McCann" <billlist1@comcast.net
  
   I have done a fair amount of public speaking and musical performances.
 I
   have used sighted guides on some occasions and I've used my cane on
  others.
   In general, I prefer to find my own way to the podium or my place on
 stage
   whether I decide to use my cane or just move there without cane or
guide
  if
   I am comfortable doing so.  I think we have to ask ourselves if
finding
  our
   own way to our place on stage is any different than finding our own
way
 to
   the bus stop, our classroom or office?
  
   Interesting discussion!
  
   Bill