You are an inspirational human being, and human doing, Hal Walker. You continually surprise and impress me. You have made your mark on this world and left a legacy thrice over. I loved hearing you taught in prisons too ❤️. I don't for a moment believe the harmonica revolution is over, or your work on this planet. You are far too valuable to God for him not use you further. Hal Walker 3.0 is currently loading......❤️🩷❤️.
I watched Elanor Nadorff's "The Search" video soon after I discovered your Substack. The found footage of "Home in Ohio" with the Summit Children's Choir is one of the most profound examples of community music making I've ever experienced. I've watched it multiple times. Hardly any way to play a wrong note if you just breath in and out - brilliant! Thanks for this deep dive into the "Harmonica Revolution of the 21st Century".
Thanks for your comment, Chuck. That moment when they pulled out their harmonicas was electric. I remember the audience burst into applause from surprise. I'm glad you're here, Chuck. H
Hey friend. I enjoyed sitting with you on the porch and watching the boys work yesterday. We planted flower seeds last night just in time for the rain!
No question, hands down best revolution and my guess is, it’s still happening somehow in a big way in all those kids and older folks. Not forgettable and easily translatable into how to live well. Find a focus, find a method, make it your instrument and learn to teach as you go. Love you, Hal
“Every time that train comes around…I keep telling myself, Imma jump on”
I always loved that bit. I learned a lot from watching your workshops at the KSU folk festival.
I remember that they’d always be packed - standing room only. You worked the room like a pro. I wanted what you had. I wanted the command of the room, the musical grace, the humility, the skills!
It’s funny listening and reading these substacks nowadays. Because to me, you are still that guy. I can hear it in your delivery. I can read it in your writing style. The same talent and skills I’ve always admired are here. The creativity. The commitment. The form. The warm intelligence. The command of the craft.
It’s a good reminder that an artist is an artist. No matter what. Whether they have a guitar or a harmonica or they play a sculpture on a college campus - whether it’s the written word or sung word - whether it’s a classroom or stage or playing a sink like a hand drum or your bare hands like a flute. You are it. You got it. It’s inside your very guts. And I love that about you.
Hi Hal! I'm not sure where to send this query because it doesn't have to do with harmonica playing but I'll put it here anyway. Do you take anything for memory problems (brain fog!) and if so how well does it work and what is it called? I have terrible memory problems and the remedy I've been most recently taking (huperzine A) has stopped working.
Re the abilify: I took it several years ago and it worked, but the benefit disappeared when I had to overextend myself, helping my mom recover from a hospital stay. So hang in there with it and be consistent with your rest, even when you feel better. I read a little while back that sometimes a supplement/drug will stop working so if that happens, take a break and try again later ( I'm sure the length of the break is individual). That's what happened to me with this huperzine A that I mentioned. I took it a couple years ago and it worked pretty well until it didn't. I gave up on it and started taking it again a few months ago. It didn't work as well, but it helped, and now there is no effect. Bummer! If there is anyone reading who has had success with something else, please raise your hand and give your suggestion! It's so disconcerting to mumble and stutter over my words when I'm trying to talk to insurance people, etc. on the phone!
You are an inspirational human being, and human doing, Hal Walker. You continually surprise and impress me. You have made your mark on this world and left a legacy thrice over. I loved hearing you taught in prisons too ❤️. I don't for a moment believe the harmonica revolution is over, or your work on this planet. You are far too valuable to God for him not use you further. Hal Walker 3.0 is currently loading......❤️🩷❤️.
Hey Emma. You have the best comments. I can't wait to meet you in person. Abilify seems to be working. :) ❤️
I watched Elanor Nadorff's "The Search" video soon after I discovered your Substack. The found footage of "Home in Ohio" with the Summit Children's Choir is one of the most profound examples of community music making I've ever experienced. I've watched it multiple times. Hardly any way to play a wrong note if you just breath in and out - brilliant! Thanks for this deep dive into the "Harmonica Revolution of the 21st Century".
https://youtu.be/bRNw5DpyoR0?si=_-Y6PJmFP4VDa54o
Thanks for your comment, Chuck. That moment when they pulled out their harmonicas was electric. I remember the audience burst into applause from surprise. I'm glad you're here, Chuck. H
This is amazing. Thank you for your harmonica service and for sharing it with us.
Thank you Rebecca. Have you settled in here on Substack? I'm glad you're here. H
Wow, what a difference you made in the lives of so many people. I have wonderful memories of listening to music coming from the harmonica.
Hey friend. I enjoyed sitting with you on the porch and watching the boys work yesterday. We planted flower seeds last night just in time for the rain!
What a teacher you were and are! I loved this!
We need more music and less anxiety about standardized testing in schools!
Yes! Amen. More music! Less anxiety about standardized tests! Thank you for your comment. H
No question, hands down best revolution and my guess is, it’s still happening somehow in a big way in all those kids and older folks. Not forgettable and easily translatable into how to live well. Find a focus, find a method, make it your instrument and learn to teach as you go. Love you, Hal
Thanks for being my friend, Margot. 💕
Hal, I’ll never forget the Akron harmonica flashmob. Are your lessons still up through the online course that you made?
Hi David. I'll never forget that either. Thanks for the reminder. No... I'm sorry to say those lessons are no longer available. H
“Every time that train comes around…I keep telling myself, Imma jump on”
I always loved that bit. I learned a lot from watching your workshops at the KSU folk festival.
I remember that they’d always be packed - standing room only. You worked the room like a pro. I wanted what you had. I wanted the command of the room, the musical grace, the humility, the skills!
It’s funny listening and reading these substacks nowadays. Because to me, you are still that guy. I can hear it in your delivery. I can read it in your writing style. The same talent and skills I’ve always admired are here. The creativity. The commitment. The form. The warm intelligence. The command of the craft.
It’s a good reminder that an artist is an artist. No matter what. Whether they have a guitar or a harmonica or they play a sculpture on a college campus - whether it’s the written word or sung word - whether it’s a classroom or stage or playing a sink like a hand drum or your bare hands like a flute. You are it. You got it. It’s inside your very guts. And I love that about you.
Your friend and fan,
Michael
That comment .... wow......What a beautiful gift 🙌❤️.
Michael…….You’ve caught the essence of this music man named ‘Hal.’ Thank you. (Hal’s mother, Janet ❤️).
Wonderful tale!
Hi Hal! I'm not sure where to send this query because it doesn't have to do with harmonica playing but I'll put it here anyway. Do you take anything for memory problems (brain fog!) and if so how well does it work and what is it called? I have terrible memory problems and the remedy I've been most recently taking (huperzine A) has stopped working.
Re the abilify: I took it several years ago and it worked, but the benefit disappeared when I had to overextend myself, helping my mom recover from a hospital stay. So hang in there with it and be consistent with your rest, even when you feel better. I read a little while back that sometimes a supplement/drug will stop working so if that happens, take a break and try again later ( I'm sure the length of the break is individual). That's what happened to me with this huperzine A that I mentioned. I took it a couple years ago and it worked pretty well until it didn't. I gave up on it and started taking it again a few months ago. It didn't work as well, but it helped, and now there is no effect. Bummer! If there is anyone reading who has had success with something else, please raise your hand and give your suggestion! It's so disconcerting to mumble and stutter over my words when I'm trying to talk to insurance people, etc. on the phone!
Beautiful and happy stuff. Thanks once again Hal. The music is still inside of you.