Not-So-New Kid on the Block

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Greensleeves, Traditional

There’s nothing quite like a fresh sheet of ice!

It’s nice to see that some things don’t change! Welcome to the University of Toronto’s Varsity Arena, the ‘old kid on the block’. Newly integrated into U of T’s renovated Varsity complex, this wonderfully storied building, replete with its fold-down red and blue wooden benches, is nestled in a city block that has undergone a massive transformation in just a few a few short years.

The ROM’s Crystal, along with the RCM’s incredible new flagship where I had just conducted my first lessons of the new year, next door at 273 Bloor Street together with the renovated Varsity site amounts to an urban version of extreme makeover!!

The city was quiet this day, and, as mentioned, I had just finished meeting some of my terrific Saturday students at the RCM TELUS Centre for my first lessons of 2009. Wandering down a deserted Philosophers Walk, brilliant with its fresh snow and sunshine, I wandered into this hallowed space, wondering, first of all if the arena might be open, and, second of all if I would make it for the 7 a.m. scrimmage here the next morning which I have enjoyed on numerous occasions; some people sleep in on a Sunday morning, but what’s with that when this large ice surface beckons?

Here is the first of several takes of Greensleeves recorded that day in different settings, played on a simple wooden flute that Santa had brought me! I enjoy getting to know and sharing my large collection of historic and world flutes with students, but this is my very first single-keyed flute - slightly undersized in the key of F, it has some beautiful tones and clearly has some age, judging by the glowing patina. If only old flutes  - or historic buildings, like this venerable arena - could tell stories, just imagine what they would have to say!

Not bad acoustics for an old rink!