Freshmen here

[Novato]

Saludos!
My name is Bernardo and I live in South Jersey. After 39 years, I finally got the "bug" after listening the conga solo from a Ruben Blades song titled, "Te Andan Buscando". I don't know why but I've heard that song probably hundreds of times since it was released many years ago, but I thought this solo was amazing and beautifully incorporated into this song.
Some of my fondest memories as a child was playing and singing plena with paderetas, clave, which we called palitos, guiro and maracas during Christmas. Sometimes big rumbas de esquina would form in la plaza de Dorado during Fiestas Patronales, where people would form their own rumbon, right across the street where the hired orchestras would play. (Not while they played) Literally over 100 people would gather around and would join by clapping singing and playing along with their instruments. These memories never left my heart and now I got my own set of congas. Ahora Es!
Anyway, I really enjoy this forum where there are so many kind and knowlegable people. I've really learned a lot here in a very short amont of time and there is more to learn. Thank you. I wish I learned this history in school.
Sinceramente,
Bernardo

[TONE74]

Vaya Bernardo, good hearing your story which is similar to mine. I've been at this for a year now and my advice to you is to learn things the right way from the beginning that way you don't have to "unlearn" things. Also having patience is very important, keep working at it and eventually you ll see the progress. From what I see it takes years and a lot of practice to get anywhere. Good luck.

[Novato]

Thanks for the advice Tone.
Been practicing a lot and althought I sure need to improve a heck of a lot in all areas, I've noticed small improvements every day
I wish I did this years ago.
Cheers,
Bernardo

[afrocubarico]

Welcome aboard Bernardo!
You've discovered a great place to learn and share ideas/thoughts with a vast group of passionate percussionists. Thanks for sharing your story with us, good to have you aboard.

afrocubarico

[ABAKUA]

Welcome to the CongaPlace forums.

[Novato]

Thanks for the warm welcome afrocubarico & Abacua.
Bernardo

[CongaTick]

bernardo, welcome!!!
this is the community, the neighborhood, i visit every day. the pros here are the BEST resource for advice and tips. even more important-- when you become discouraged-- and you will become discouraged from time to time-- these guys will lift your spirits and bring you home with encouragement and shared experiences that will always let you know you are not alone. you're responsibility? share with us so that we can learn from your mistakes and successes. welcome to our brotherhood!

[Novato]

I hear you Congatic. I've been roaming around here every day since I discoverev this forum.
Fun place.
Cheers