 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Zuph
Date: 2002-02-08 01:51
Hey. I stopped playing about a year ago, because I would have had to join marching band. I really don't like marching Nothing against those that can, I just don't like it. Anyway, I'm 15 right now, and would like to start playing again, thing is, there aren't any instructors, or community bands around here, except for my schools band, which, again, I don't really like because I would have to march (among other things that I really don't like to discuss). Are there any good books or resources that I could use to continue to improve my playing without outside instruction? I know it's a long shot, but thats what i'm limited to. Thanks!
Brad
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-02-08 03:51
Hi, Brad -
Glad to hear you're still interested in playing. That's greatly in your favor.
Freshman, right? How long had you played before you stopped? Why didn't you just drop band and continue playing? I mean, I can't imagine anyone allowing you to play only if you join the band. Sounds pretty dreary. What's your musical goal? There are other young folks around your age who play instruments (they're in the band) but I can't believe they're restricted from playing outside band. Are you in touch with them?
All the 'grilling' is so that we can get an idea of where you are in your musical development. That way we're better equipped to give some thoughtful advice. Can't really extend a 'welcome back' because, for such a short time, you haven't really given it up yet... Welcome Back, anyway.
- ron b -
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Author: willie
Date: 2002-02-08 04:19
Our school (unfornately) is like that. If you play football and can't be in the marching drill, the band director boots you out! We just yanked our son out of band as he loves sports but wants to be in band also. They gave him a choice of one or the other and he had tears in his eyes when he came home. The coaches had no problem with him being in band also, just the band director, so we yanked him out and many other kids also quit band. Its a sad situation because he lost a lot of his better musicians. We are working on getting him to play in the percusion section of our community band.
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Author: Zuph
Date: 2002-02-08 11:18
Yep, freshman. I was playing for 3 years before I stopped, and I was pretty good, so said my peers, anyway. I think the reason that I quit playing, is, for one, I just needed a break. It took me a good week of thought before I decided to quit band, and that was a hard decision to come to. In all honesty, I don't know why I stopped playing exactly. It might have been that I didn't really know what to do without a "coach" per se. Frankly, I just want to play recreationally. I want to get better, but by no means is my goal to go on and become a music teacher or anything. Thanks!
Brad
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Author: William
Date: 2002-02-08 15:47
Willie--if that sort of practice went on in our large metropolitan community, there would be two results: 1) the band program would be in a severe state of decline as many of our atheletes also perform in the band; 2) there would be a massive public referendom to remove the band director from our school district. Your band directors policies of "kicking athletes out" is unprofessional and clearly out of line with public school educational practice. Children deserve good schools, and GOOD band directors whose bandroom doors are always open to all who want to particiapte--athelete or not!!!! Your band director (if your representation of the facts are accurate) is excercising bad educational policy, and you can quote me on that!!!!!!!!!!
Zuph--My advice would be to try marching for a year before you decide against band in general. That being too late, however, how about forming an out-of-school clarinet ensemble or, better yet, a woodwind quintet (one of my favorite playing venues)?? There is lots of music available for either and they are great fun. Maybe give the marching band--and Band--another try next year. My personal marching band experiances have included two trips to Pasadena to march in the Rose Bowl and the parade. And, although we practiced outside in freezing rain and snow for both trips, they are some of my happiest college memories--and my fingers thawed out in the warm December California sunshine!!! Best of luck--Good Clarineting (whatever you decide)
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Author: Bob
Date: 2002-02-08 16:36
Brad: join back up...don't be a quitter. Take it from me as I wanted to quit band early on and my parents wouldn't let me...just on principles involving quitting or giving up. Learn to like marching ...you might have to do it later anyway. Quitting something you don't like to do, but which is beneficial, is not the way to fulfill your life. Conquer it....because later in life you will be glad you did. If you are in the Lexington area and want "outside instruction" I have a friend there who teaches clarinet....contact me directly if you wish.
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