Music and intergender friendship

Last night's rehearsal was very educational. Andy G told me how apple pips contain cyanide, I passed on my daughter's information that onions could kill a dog. After swopping anecdotes on poison we came to the conclusion that small doses must be quite normal in lots of foods. It seems we have both inherited the folk wisdom of our upbringings. I'm still going to stop biting into apple seeds ...

... which all made me think rehearsals are a great opportunity for conversation. This highlights part of the joy of being a musician, the chat and relationship between players. We always hear stories of how musicians fall out but the positive side gets less attention. Personally I appreciate the opportunity music gives to make unsuperficial friendships with men as this can be a little awkward in such a divided world.

We have arranged our next rehearsal to take place on a barge so maybe that will help Andy and I concentrate a bit better. But I guess the reality is it will probably be more distracting.