www.huntrecorder.com/zano_bio.
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Playing Since: 1973
Experience Level: Novice

Interests:
[Jamming] [Socializing]

Occupation: writer, wildlife biologist, co-owner of Craft Mall

Gender: Male
Age: 71

My Instruments:
1974 Aria Masterclone
1980's Alvarez Masterclone
1976 Aria Pro

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Scruggs, NGDB, my grandfather

Classified Rating: not rated
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Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 3/28/2006
Last Visit 6/25/2025

I first picked up the banjo in January ྅, as a freshman in college in Lubbock Texas. Beside study and class, all I did was pick and submerge myself in bluegrass pick'in. A year later, I began teaching beginners at Harrod's Music, where I met many wonderful players of all instruments. Endless jams and get-togethers over the months and years that followed led to some of the most enjoyable times of my life, playing in many venues across the Panhandle. I especially enjoyed playing the "Big Texas Steak House" every weekend, what a hoot! After 7+ years of playing, new employment took me on the road 5 nights per week for too many years. The banjo gradually became 2nd fiddle to a much too hectic work environment, my new bride & the children that followed. Although I'd pick it up a couple of times per year since 1980, I never pursued it with the passion I had, knowing the commitment required to excel again. 29 years after letting it go, an old proverb put me back on the path...."When's the best time to plant a tree? 20 yrs ago. When's the next best time? Today!". That truth struck a note in my heart, so on March 1st this year, I pulled her out of the case, polished her up, gave her a professional tune-up head to toe, laid a new set of strings across her, and made the commitment to play (and re-learn) for one year - no less than an hour per day. Since then, I average 3 hrs per day, often 4. The only reason I get to bed by midnight these days is because my aging 54 yr old fingers just can't keep up with my youthful enthusiasm! Not only am I having a ball picking again (and learning so much here and on the web!), my wife absolutely adores listening to the music (that's what she calls it anyway....) filling our home. My cats love it too, sitting at my feet or by my side when I practice and play. The internet and computer technology is such a fine thing for us today, all the information available, the programs (like i-Tunes & Audacity) for selecting licks and runs & slowing them down, and recording them to play by and listen to when/where ever.... what a blessing these things are for novices like me! I'd also like to personally thank BHO for all they contribute to our passion, it's truly appreciated .... What a site! Lastly, it's good to know where a man stands on things, and I choose to stand on the unshakable pillars of: Faith in God thru Christ Jesus; my nation's Constitution; my marriage with my awesome wife of 34 years; my two fine & grown sons; traditional archery bowhunting; Texas Coastal fishing; and of course bluegrass & banjos! God bless ya'll! Zan Christensen aka - "Zano"