What is Air Bowing?
1.
term for string players bowing in the air (literally). It makes no sound but gives the appearance that the person is playing.
When I got lost on the second page of the orchestra piece, I was air bowing until I could pick it up again.
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2.
Imitating the actions of playing a violin, to signify lack of sympathy with, and rejection of, whining.
Claire was going on and on about what a hard life she has, and I could only shut her up by air bowing and saying, "My heart pumps lumpy custard for your troubles, Claire."
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3.
An action done by string players, normally as a means of tracking bowings on a page, practicing without making a sound, or goofing off with/demonstrating for your friends.
Last night, I got so confused by the lack of bowings on the page that I had to go back all the way to rehearsal five, air bowing my way toward where I had been. Thankfully, it worked, and I was able to mark in several bowings in the interim.
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4.
term referring to novice violin and chello players who pretend to play during musical performances in order to impress their parents.
When I was in fourth grade, all I did was air bow. Carolyn is a really good violin player, when I was her age I just air bowed. There were several children air bowing the concert.
What a coincidence! I went to the Symphony last night and I was in the audience totally air bowing, and then today I got my Word of the Day and there it was, but wtf they can't even spell cello!
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5.
term referring to novice violin and chello players who pretend to play during musical performances in order to impress their parents.
When I was in fourth grade, all I did was air bow. Carolyn is a really good violin player, when I was her age I just air bowed. There were several children air bowing the concert.
See
