Klarinet Archive - Posting 000486.txt from 2002/10

From: MVinquist@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] marching band makes me sick
Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 10:14:57 -0400

Rebecca -

There are several things you could do -- an explanation to the band director
by you or your parents -- but by far the most effective way is to go to your
doctor and get a letter saying that marching bari is causing back pain and
faintness, and that for medical reasons you must switch to clarinet. This is
100% sure to get you the change.

Every doctor will cooperate, and his or her letter will make things sound
even worse than they really are. Doctors do this all the time to get what's
necessary for their patients. A letter like this lets the band director save
face and keeps everyone comfortable.

Your parents may get huffy and say you must always tell the exact truth, even
where everyone will be better off with a face-saving way out. This is of
course not so. If your parents meet a friend who's looking tired, they
wouldn't say so. They'd say "you're looking great."

So -- if your parents are a problem, let them save face, too. Don't say
anything about what you want. Just tell them your back is really hurting
(which it is) and ask to see the doctor. Then confide in the doctor, who,
believe me, won't have any problems writing a letter to the band director.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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