Klarinet Archive - Posting 000774.txt from 2001/11

From: Rich Gordley <rgordley@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] 7th grader wants to quit
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 16:51:33 -0500

Alisa Hixon wrote:

>I have an 7th grader into the 2nd year of band - She tells me, (after many
>payments, $$ spent & private lessons) she doesn't want to play next year.
>
>I think it is because many of her friends "dropped out"
>after their sixth grade year (which also happens to be their one and only
>year)
>
>In the past I have let her drop out community sports (she's not into being a
>athlete).
>
>I have told her that I have invested a lot into this and will NOT let her
>drop out - Will she
>appreciate this in her future or should I just back off?

Back in my band director days this was a recurring problem and parents
don't like to be perceived as arm twisters One family found the perfect
solution. Find her a job around the house which she doesn't already
do. One which is slightly less than enjoyable is best. Tell her what she
can earn per week doing this job. Then tell her she can quit when she has
repaid the cost of her instrument and her private lessons. Of course her
payoff will occur well into her high school years.

Rich

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