93-Year-Old Plays 'Just As I Am' On Musical Saw
Playing the saw was a popular act in the old Vaudeville shows in the early part of the 20th century. Now the instrument is somewhat of a novelty that most have never heard. Donald first heard the saw played in 1942 when he was 16 years old. He was so moved, he ran home and grabbed a saw from the shed. Donald made a makeshift bow and got to work learning his craft!
“The saw has a sustaining tone. It doesn’t need more than just a touch,” he said while performing the anthem. “My knee is the vibrato. You don’t need much pressure. The more you bend (the saw) the higher the sound.”
Berryman’s father was also a gifted musician but on more traditional instruments such as the violin, piano, and harmonica. But Donald didn’t want to learn a traditional instrument, for him playing by ear was his God-given talent. He’s played in churches, community centers, retirement homes and even Wisconsin’s state capitol!
“I never would have had the patience to learn notes. I wanted to play by ear,” he said. “Two different choir directors have said my (saw) playing keeps the choir in tune because I have perfect pitch. I can’t read a note of music. I don’t know A from B. It’s all in my head. If I can hum it or whistle it or sing it, I can play it on the saw.”
With a sound that is a mix of harp and violin, the saw is a unique instrument not heard as much as in days past. But it lends itself beautifully to playing hymns and that’s just what Donald is doing so well in this video! As the pianist plays the chords, Donald played melody on his $8 hardware saw and homemade bow! At 93 years young, this musician showed he’s still got it!
93-Year-Old Plays 'Just As I Am' On Musical Saw
Playing the saw was a popular act in the old Vaudeville shows in the early part of the 20th century. Now the instrument is somewhat of a novelty that most have never heard. Donald first heard the saw played in 1942 when he was 16 years old. He was so moved, he ran home and grabbed a saw from the shed. Donald made a makeshift bow and got to work learning his craft!
“The saw has a sustaining tone. It doesn’t need more than just a touch,” he said while performing the anthem. “My knee is the vibrato. You don’t need much pressure. The more you bend (the saw) the higher the sound.”
Berryman’s father was also a gifted musician but on more traditional instruments such as the violin, piano, and harmonica. But Donald didn’t want to learn a traditional instrument, for him playing by ear was his God-given talent. He’s played in churches, community centers, retirement homes and even Wisconsin’s state capitol!
“I never would have had the patience to learn notes. I wanted to play by ear,” he said. “Two different choir directors have said my (saw) playing keeps the choir in tune because I have perfect pitch. I can’t read a note of music. I don’t know A from B. It’s all in my head. If I can hum it or whistle it or sing it, I can play it on the saw.”
With a sound that is a mix of harp and violin, the saw is a unique instrument not heard as much as in days past. But it lends itself beautifully to playing hymns and that’s just what Donald is doing so well in this video! As the pianist plays the chords, Donald played melody on his $8 hardware saw and homemade bow! At 93 years young, this musician showed he’s still got it!
Today's Devotional
A Prayer to Long for Heaven - Your Daily Prayer - July 18
Do you look forward to heaven? If I am being honest, my heart can be so focused on the now and building my “earthly kingdom” that I often miss the joy of focusing my thoughts and heart on eternal joys.
Most Popular Right Now
GodTube Inspiration Cowboy Single-Handedly Stops Armed Robber
Bill and Gloria Gaither Guy Penrod's Stirring Live Performance of 'Then Came The Morning'
Anne Wilson Anne Wilson's 'God Story' Lyric Video Inspires and Uplifts with Every Line
GodTube Comedy Bob Newhart’s Side-Splitting Take on City Bus Driver Training
GodTube Inspiration Lonely Book Signing Goes Viral—Author’s Book Skyrockets to Best-Seller Status
GodTube Comedy Comedian’s Hilarious Take on Alexa and AI Has Everyone Laughing
GodTube Inspiration Child in Wheelchair Lights Up After Seeing Ad Featuring Someone Like Him
GodTube Inspiration 3 Women’s Hilarious Audition That Fooled Simon
Universal Music Group Dolly Parton, Blessing Offor Captivate In 'Somebody's Child' Official Video
Universal Music Group Stephen Stanley - Lean On Me
