Bella is learning to play the Tiple. This is a small stringed instrument that has many variations throughout the Spanish speaking world. It's not considered a "fine" instrument although they are always hand made by local artisans. Indeed the rustic quality and the "hills" origin of the instrument is one of its charms. The instrument is related to a Spanish medieval instrument that was developed in the 12th century. For a great history of the Tiple check this article out. The word Tiple means treble in Spanish and that characterizes the higher pitched sounds the instrument makes.
Bella became intrigued with the instrument when a local artisan spoke to a woman's philanthropic organzation about the instrument's history and how it is constructed. This fall, Bella has been studying the Tiple at the Conservatory in San Juan and next week will have a performance. This week it is a double rehersal. You can bet that we will write that up.
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