What's in a name? More than meets the eye.
I have two Theremins. I call them "the Theremax" and "the Epro". Just like my modular synth which is "the Aries". Since I have more than one Casio Synth they keep their model names: "the VZ1, the CZ3000, etc". My main Keyboard is "the Kurzweil".
As you can see, I am not too creative with names. However they are all prized possessions and trusted allies in music/miracle making. Behind the simple names are great stories.
When I started at the UMKC conservatory, to work in the 8-channel Moog studio there was not an option because they had no classes for undergrads. I am grateful that I was forced by circumstance to build my own studio. Indeed, I built my own Aries synth and went out performing and obtained grant money to teach electronic music to junior high and high school kids which fully funded my remaining years of college. I built the Aries for fun yet the results were totally unexpected. In fact, the conservatory sent me out playing electronic music in public on their behalf and they also started offering undergraduate courses in electronic music. This opened doors for many talented composer/musicians. To this day I use the Aries. The Aries has a place of honor in my studio and many great stories to tell.
The Theremax is the Theremin I built with my two young boys. They helped me sand and stain the cabinet. They helped me sort and inventory the parts. They helped me hold parts securely for soldering. It is the first Theremin I played. It has a history and a signifigance that money can't buy.
The Epro and the PA system I assembled to perform with it is my personal "Field of Dreams" -- build it and they will come. The Epro and the PA system represent miracles that have not yet happened. The Theremin is truely magical. I don't know beans about "getting gigs" however I'm just gonna play. I don't believe in miracles, I DEPEND on them!
While I may call my Epro "the Epro" in my mind it is "my beloved Epro". A real treasure.
As you can see, I am a hopeless idealist. I am not sure where my foray into Theremin playing will take me, however the trip promises to be a great one!
May your Theremin inspire you and may it acquire a great history, regardless of its name. May your Theremin journey bring you joy, inspiration, and miracles.
-- Kevin