Klarinet Archive - Posting 000494.txt from 2001/02
From: avrham galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] time
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 17:32:21 -0500
Its never too late to swing. (Robert Hunter, the Globe and Mail)
I'm a 36 year old bass player. My community band consists of 40-odd
active members, generally ages 50-plus or in their teens.
Tonight I counted three of us in our 30s.
Unlike other generations, my contemporaries benefited the most from the
abundant (and well funded) high school music programs of the 70s and
80s.
Ask 10 people of my age if they played a musical instrument in their
school and I bet seven will answer in the affirmative
I know dozens of former players- with instruments still hibernating in
their parent's basement- who would love to play again.
If they only could find the time.
These colleagues remember the challenges of learning an instrument. Oh
sure, they despised the regimented practice schedule-at first-but once
they were able to tastefully carry a tune, playing became fun.
It became an expression of something positive.
They shared reeds, valve oil and music stands; they played in smaller
groups outside of class.
Yes, they'd love to play again.
If they could only find time
Well, I've found time and place. I've discovered community bands are
abundant and I believe that they offer more than just a controlled
racket.
While the bulk of us offer a level of acceptable talent, we have a few
truly gifted players. We have a few god-awful players
The former live in harmony with the latter because our band welcomes
musicians of all levels to improve their skills in a relaxed and
supportive atmosphere.
There are no auditions or waiting lists.
I'll chat with someone before rehearsal whose background views are
completely different from mine-from a 14-year-old saxophone player to a
French-horn playing veteran.
Then I'll drink coffee and laugh with the percussion section during the
break.
Yes, there are many groups to join but where are they getting their
members?
Maybe if they could only find the time.
Its never too late to swing. (Robert Hunter, the Globe and Mail)
I'm a 36 year old bass player. My community band consists of 40-odd
active members, generally ages 50-plus or in their teens.
Tonight I counted three of us in our 30s.
Unlike other generations, my contemporaries benefited the most from the
abundant (and well funded) high school music programs of the 70s and
80s.
Ask 10 people of my age if they played a musical instrument in their
school and I bet seven will answer in the affirmative
I know dozens of former players- with instruments still hibernating in
their parent's basement- who would love to play again.
If they only could find the time.
These colleagues remember the challenges of learning an instrument. Oh
sure, they despised the regimented practice schedule-at first-but once
they were able to tastefully carry a tune, playing became fun.
It became an expression of something positive.
They shared reeds, valve oil and music stands; they played in smaller
groups outside of class.
Yes, they'd love to play again.
If they could only find time
Well, I've found time and place. I've discovered community bands are
abundant and I believe that they offer more than just a controlled
racket.
While the bulk of us offer a level of acceptable talent, we have a few
truly gifted players. We have a few god-awful players
The former live in harmony with the latter because our band welcomes
musicians of all levels to improve their skills in a relaxed and
supportive atmosphere.
There are no auditions or waiting lists.
I'll chat with someone before rehearsal whose background views are
completely different from mine-from a 14-year-old saxophone player to a
French-horn playing veteran.
Then I'll drink coffee and laugh with the percussion section during the
break.
Yes, there are many groups to join but where are they getting their
members?
Maybe if they could only find the time.
Avrahm Galper
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