Well, this thing happened. So unbelievable, in fact, that I decided I’d better write it down quickly, while it’s fresh in my mind. Before I forget or begin to doubt that it happened. Like that recurring dream about the T-Rex from the 1964 World’s Fair chasing me down the sidewalk. I hate that one. No, this was a delightful dream. I dreamed that I traveled across the continent and won first place at the International Musical Saw Association’s 2024 Festival. It sounds more ridiculous when I say it out loud. That’s why I’m writing.
It all started in 2015, when I accompanied our younger son’s high school band on a trip to NYC. I was rubbish as a chaperone (I’m the only one that got lost), but I had a marvelous time. The students were exceptionally well-behaved and fun to be with, and we crammed a week’s worth of activities and sight-seeing into just a few short days. On one of those days, I encountered Natalia Paruz (known internationally as The Saw Lady), busking at one of the subway stations. She’s performed on numerous film and TV soundtracks, but enjoys busking as a way to promote the musical saw, and bring joy to people. She has an absolutely incredible story, and you can read all about her here: Saw Lady® I was mesmerized; as someone who has spent most of her life playing instruments with many moving parts, I was profoundly moved by the sight and sound of someone playing so beautifully on one with none!
I chucked that memory towards the back of my brain, until a chance remark by a dear friend last year brought that memory to the forefront. Now in a season of life with more margin, I decided to finally learn more about the musical saw. These were some of my first stops on a road of musical saw discovery:
Then, there was the rabbit hole that is YouTube. I correctly assumed that the musical saw would be primarily associated with folk music, but I also found these gems:
Clearly, the sky is the limit!
So, I went out to the garage, grabbed our 26” Stanley handsaw, and began attending the University of YouTube, watching tutorial after tutorial! After about a month of wrestling with the Stanley (and driving Scott to hide in his office), I decided to take the plunge, and purchase a “professional” musical saw for $52 from Mussehl & Westphal in Wisconsin. Their product was affordable (you can spend hundreds or more for a bespoke saw), and I chose to reward a company that had managed to stay in business for over 100 years.
This turned out to be one of my favorite investments ever! A musical saw is generally more flexible and longer than the one hanging in the typical garage. This provides an expanded musical range and saves your body from some serious fatigue. After this purchase, Scott agreed that my progress was ramping up exponentially, and I was nearing the ultimate hallmark of musical success: actually recognizable tunes.
As I improved in my sawing, I came to realize that there is a vibrant sawyer community, and I really wanted to plug into that. The most stalwart folks seemed to have been gathering in the Santa Cruz, California area for over 40 years. The International Musical Saw Association annually hosts this festival of jams, master classes, performances, and a contest (a “Saw Off”, if you will). I watched videos of this festival on YouTube, and was enchanted. When I saw the following documentary, I knew I had to go:
Fortunately, Scott was up for the adventure, and willing to accompany me in the contest. As a newbie, I was doubtful that it was even appropriate for me to enter, but I decided to risk the grand $5 entry fee, calculating that I ultimately had nothing to lose but my dignity and self-respect. All the saw contestants were required to perform a solo version of Auld Lang Syne, but their second selection could be of their choosing, and with any accompaniment. Assuming we’d be the only delegates from Georgia, we chose Georgia on My Mind, by Hoagy Carmichael. It never occurred to us to have an encore piece ready, in case we won. Never.
And yet, we did. The Distance award did not come as a complete surprise, although other participants were alternately perplexed or delighted that we flew 2,500 miles to meet some lovely saw folks. In the past, contestants have crossed the ocean, but this year, we were the ones who traveled the farthest. Others came from out of state or Canada, but the odometer tipped in our favor. Fun! At least we wouldn’t go home empty-handed; a medal or certificate would serve as a souvenir of a wonderful weekend. Scott said he wondered if perhaps the Distance award should be for whoever could throw a saw the farthest. He was kidding. I think.
My rendition of Auld Lang Syne probably had an extra touch of unintended vibrato, but I think it went acceptably well, and once survived, I knew the collaborative selection with Scott would just be fun. Using a $15 app called iRealPro (I spared every expense), I programmed a swing accompaniment track of upright bass, drums, and piano to back us up. Not unpredictably, the attendees were largely fans of Hoagy Carmichael, so our choice proved strategic. It’s supremely appropriate that every informal saw jam or gathering inevitably turned to Home on the Range, because this was truly an environment where seldom was heard a discouraging word. I received some valuable and encouraging feedback, and was so thankful that I ventured forth. One of my goals for the weekend was to encourage others; I did not realize what an uplifting experience this would be for us in return. For our encore, we pulled out Harry Warren’s I Only Have Eyes for You.
So, am I the best musical saw player in the world? Hardly! Some of the best sawyers present were generously serving as judges or as hosts. These are folks who can saw circles around me (so to speak), but chose instead to create a platform for eight enthusiastic sawyers to shine and learn. I still consider myself a novice, and I’m confident that Scott’s contributions on the Irish Whistle contributed greatly to our success.
We’re back home now, and I miss everyone. The festival felt like a musical family reunion. For one transcendentally beautiful weekend, I got to hang out with people who were gracious, enthusiastic, hospitable, talented, and not too cool to sing and play some of my favorite songs of yesteryear. I so hope our paths will cross again!
For another perspective and more photos, please visit the blog of a quality sawyer and wonderful lady, Rowena Southard: Georgia Wins It! The 2024 Saw Festival Part One! (sawnotes.com)
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