 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jim
Date: 2003-11-13 02:46
I got to play in my first concert since high school the other night.
Last year the local college in Texarkana started a "Second Time around Band". Great bunch of folks, they range in age from 19 to 73. There are some Doctors, lawyers, teachers, housewives, etc, etc. I went to their first performance, which was Memorial Day last year. They sounded pretty good, and put on a great performance. It sure brought back memories of my school days playing in the band.
In grade school I started playing clarinet, and played that for about 6 months. But I did not like it so switched to trombone and played that through grade school, and high school. I would have liked to played in the Navy band, but in boot camp, right before I went for my try out my company commander told me that only gay folks played in the band. And being only 17, and fresh off the farm, I believed him and did not go for the tryout. So that ended my musical career, and I have not touched an instrument since 1964.
Anyway, after the concert, I got this wild idea that I sure would like to play with that band. When I got home I dug out my old trombone but could hardly blow a note on it. I was disappointed and ready to just give up. But then I got this other bright idea. Why not learn to play the clarinet again?
I bought a clarinet, found a teacher, and after a little over a year of lessons, I got to play with the band in the Veterans Day concert the other night. I really had a ball. A lot of folks showed up, and had a real good time. I am not nearly as good as the other folks playing , but I was there, in the back row playing 3rd part ( well almost playing <g> )
I am a very long way from being a Benny Goodman, but my teacher say's I am doing pretty well for an old(er) guy.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-11-13 02:52
I'd like to try to be the first to congratulate you! That's a great story! Welcome back to the wonderful world of clarinetting! Hope you continue improving and gettin' better. I like these stories. "Motivational, they are . . . " [in voice of Yoda]
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-11-13 03:19
I long ago forgot tryin' to catch up with Benny Goodman, Jim. You're the kinda guy I look up to 
With your determination, you're probably closer to being a virtuoso than most of us. Your story is a great inspiration to many of us second and third timers and I, too, wish you a very happy and fulfilling return to music making.
Happy Tootin' to ya!
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2003-11-13 04:08
I too came back to the sax last year after 40 years and then decided to take up the clarinet. I've been at it about a year, and do pretty well playing alto sax in the community band. I am just beginning to think that I could probably play some fairly easy clarinet music the band. Your success story makes me want to try. Good future luck.
Leonard
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-11-13 17:20
Old age and guile beat youth and exuberance, any day.
It's a blast, is it not?
What kind of charts does the band play?
(If I don't scream through another Circus march, it will be to soon...)
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Author: Tim P
Date: 2003-11-13 19:25
I read with interest your recollection of boot camp band tryouts. My experience was a little different. My USMC Drill Instructor (year 1973)was actually supportive .
The band person was a jerk. I had not played in eight months. He handed me an intrument that must have had a #8 reed (well maybe #3 0r 4 but it seemed like #8). then gave me a piece of music to sight read that must of been written for flute. 90% of the notes were above the staff, up in the nose bleed section.
I tried but of course got no where. after a total of about 20 notes of audition and he yelled at me for wasting his time and sent back to the my squadbay. I never bothered to try again.
what a jerk
Now thirty years later, I am just starting up again and want to welcome you to the fold. Good luck and I hope you have as much fun as I am having.
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Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2003-11-13 20:26
Good on you, Jim! Up the 'oldies'! I only took up the clarinet myself a couple of years ago (after my children had left home and I had more time for my own pursuits) and I'm enjoying it HUGELY!
Joanna Brown
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Author: Pam H.
Date: 2003-11-14 23:04
Its fun to pat yourself on the back from time to time! I'm glad you are enjoying playing again. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
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Author: WoodwindThespian
Date: 2003-11-15 00:09
Awww...this makes me want to boohoo just like the day that my clarinet teacher and I had our last lesson. She got a job offer in Latrobe, PA and took it. I had studied with her for 3 1/2 consecutive years. Once she had left, I stopped practicing for a while. A long while to me. About 6 months. And then, before we had to get the other house ready so we could move, I took a leave again. When we got to our new house, I practiced and remembered how much I missed it..
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-11-16 05:04
You decided not to go to tryouts because you were afraid of gays?!
By the way, congrats on picking up the clarinet again, a year of lessons after so long not playing it is an admirable thing to do, nice!
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Author: Rivers
Date: 2003-11-16 21:09
Congratulations....I too had a similar experience....This past August a group of former high school band members organized a reunion concert for our band teacher in celebration of his 50 years of teaching and playing. Even though I had not played in 38 years I jumped in with both feet, bought a new Buffet E-11 and started taking lessons. We were able to assemble about 100 former graduates from the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's and 1980's. There were really quite a few very talented musicians in the group....even a fair number of professionals who came from all over the country. I was kind along for the ride...but it was great fun.....
I'm still playing and still taking lessons. My teacher is young enough to be my daughter. It all has been and continues to be an absolutely wonderful experience.
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