 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: chipper
Date: 2005-09-08 14:14
to join the local civic band? I can play a number of tunes, mostly in time and tune, although the devil does inhabit my metronome and it has ended up out the window on occasion. I need experience playing with others but don't want to drag the band down. I'm 50 and have been playing two years now.
C
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-09-08 14:42
Hi Chip - To get your thread started, let me quote a physicians "adage", do no harm !! If as a member of a multi-player section, Bb cls p.e., I'd say, just play what you can, drop out on the toughies, but practice them for improvement. I try to abide by this advice, but being our C B's [usually] only Bass cl'ist, I listen for other insts, tenor sax, tmb, tuba, F H etc having my parts, and if they do it better than I, then I drop out, but practice. There are times when I have "solo phrases", so like with the oboe, "there's nowhere to hide", just "knuckle down" and do it. Others?? Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: OpusII
Date: 2005-09-08 15:03
The only way to know if you're ready is to try it? It's no shame to try something, don't worry about being able to follow the parts. If you can follow it than it’s great. But if you can't, then just go back home practise and try it again later...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-09-08 17:51
I've been in a group for three years now. We're a college Wind Symphony supplemented with community members. There are times when practice as I might, I can't play certain passages fast enough. I work my tail (tongue) off until about one week before a concert. If I can't do it by then, I decide which passages or notes to omit during the concert.
I probably end up playing 90-95% of the music.
We have auditions each semester and they haven't asked me not to return (yet).
I'd say go for it. If it turns out not to be fun for you, or the group, you will probably know.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BelgianClarinet
Date: 2005-09-08 18:00
We (a local band) never refuse anyone, it's a hobby, it's for fun. Music is important (else we could better make a football team), but there is room for all kinds of musicians.
Don't be afraid to ask the conductor what to do. For some people it is indeed as Don says : knowing when to drop out, but there is no rule. Age, history, background it doesn't matter, only : can or can't you play this ? if not, back off (for now, but keep on studying !!, next week it might be ok, the others are there for fun too !!).
There is so much fun in playing in these orchestras that you just must go for it, but ... realize what you can and what not. Don't be disappointed, take what you can and 'blend' with the rest, one way or another ...
Lot's of fun in your local band, I wouldn't want to miss mine for a ... whatever.
Peter
Post Edited (2005-09-08 18:05)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-08 18:28
I remember when I first joined a local Swing band on 2nd alto, and this being my first time playing in a Jazz orchestra - I couldn't keep up as the music just flew by before I knew where I was, gradually things began to settle down over time and I could recognise rhythmic shapes more (and then get the notes right) - luckilly for me the majority of the charts were by Sammy Nestico or Neal Hefti which was an excellent (if not a baptism by fire) way to get to terms with playing in an 18 piece Swing band, and a sax section.
Now if I'm called to play (and most likely on baritone) in a band I've never played in before, I can manage to get away with sight reading charts I've never heard of, and relax and feel at home when a Nestico number comes around.
The band I currently play in has now started getting African tunes in, and some of the rhythms are pretty tricky, and I thought the fast Latin tunes were tough.
But I wouldn't mind playing in a band that does mainly dance music like Foxtrots, Tangos, Rhumbas, Cha-Chas, Quicksteps, Waltzes, etc. again.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MSK
Date: 2005-09-08 23:52
Several times in my music career I have played in groups that were challenging for me. A couple times I played in groups that were slightly beyond my skill at the time or a different style of music than I was comfortable with. I've found that the challenge helped me grow as a musician, and with practice I was soon at their level, and a better musician for it. I play in one non-clarinet music ensemble that is easy for me, and I actually make more mistakes with them out of complacency and boredom than with the Symphony orchestra that is more challenging for me. Practice is what makes you a better musician, and you'll practice more with a challenge. That said, don't take on a challenge that is totally beyond your current skill level -- that will only be frustrating.
So go for it with the community band. You'll never know if your ready until you try it. You'll probably be ready for much of what they do (especially if you play in the 3rd section). As others have said before me, you can always keep silent at concert time, if there is something that you still can't play well enough.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-09-09 02:03
Carl
Definitely join the band if you are able to. Chances are they would LOVE to have you. Even if you play the 3rd clarinet part, you'll enjoy being around others who enjoy music as much as you do. You'd be suprised the number of things you can learn (musically) from people who don't even play clarinet!! Keep us updated as to how your progressing and your final decision!! Good Luck, and Keep Practicing!!
Clayton
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: chipper
Date: 2005-09-09 14:05
Thanks folks, the next practice is Monday night. I'll be there.
Wether you think you can or wether you think you can't, you're right.
Henry Ford as quoted on this board. It's my computer wall paper.
Thanks
C
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-09 15:54
There's nothing better than a challenge, if you come away from a rehearsal or a concert knowing you've worked hard and played well or to the best of your ability, then that's a good thing.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2005-09-09 15:54)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2005-09-10 01:29
One is good enough, Chipper, when two would be too much.
( ...hang in there  )
- r b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: D
Date: 2005-09-11 17:00
Best of luck for the first rehersal. Just try and play the bits you can play at the correct time, and you will probably be more than welcome. Nothing worse than someone merrily playing away when they are supposed to be shutting up! Also, remember that a large amount of music is scales and arpeggio based, when you get your part have a glance at the key signature, then skim through for the obvious bits. Your fingers know these (or they will by the next rehersal because you will practise your scales religiously this week!) so you are halfway there already. Have fun, playing in a group is great!
Post Edited (2005-09-11 19:44)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
