 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-06 17:44
I am thinking about joining another community band for this year. However I have had two experiences when I showed up for the first rehearsal and found the music to be frustratingly easy. I'm sorry if it sounds very blunt or rude, but seeing as this would be a volunteer group and I'd be giving up my time, I feel that I should be able to enjoy rehearsals and performances instead of being bored. If I were getting paid, that'd be a different story.
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to word an email to any prespective bands that fit into my schedule. I don't want to show up for two rehearsals, and then pull the instructor to the side letting them know that I wasn't enjoying myself and was going to leave. Is there a way to avoid this? Also, I don't want to lie (in case anyone was going to suggest "Well, I'd love to stay, however I just had a schedule change at work and can't come anymore. Sorry.")
Any ideas?
Alexi
PS - Sorry again if it sounds rude. I know I'm not great, but I do want to enjoy myself if I give up a few hours a night on a weekly, volunteer basis.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: jez
Date: 2004-01-06 18:17
I can't see anyone objecting to your suggesting a "trial period" before committing yourself on a long-term basis.
If you were to go along for a month, or whatever, on the understanding that they could see if you fitted in with them and you could find out if they suited you, then I don't see how anyone could be offended.
If that's not the way it's normally done then maybe it's time for you to set the trend.
Good luck
jez
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Author: Henry
Date: 2004-01-06 18:22
Alexi... how about just going to one or two of their rehearsals (or performances) without your instrument and without making any commitments? That's what I did before I joined a swing band with my alto sax. I concluded that the band would be just about right for me: not too advanced so that I would clearly not measure up, nor too amateurish so that I would be constantly frustrated by the low quality and lack of stimulation.
Henry
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-06 18:40
Henry,
I was thinking too about sitting in without the instrument and looking at the music as they played along, but then I know that if I stopped showing up that the people around might think that I didn't like them, or (if I told the truth), that even though I'm sure they were trying hard that they would feel a bit bummed seeing a 21 year old leave cause they weren't "good enough" (that's what they might think). So I'm just looking for a good way to word it to smooth things over. Maybe I'm thinking too much about the situation, but I know that if some person ten years younger than me sat in and played for two rehearsals, then left cause it was too easy for them, I'd be a little discouraged at my ability.
Jez,
That sounds good. Telling the conductor that I'd like to see how the group and music fitted me, and how I fitted them.
I also thought about waiting for a concert, and attending the concert to preview what sound they had, but that wouldn't give me a good idea of how dificult the parts are. As you know some songs can sound deceptively hard or deceptively easy.
Alexi
Thanks for some ideas. I need to think about a way to write an email cause I don't want to needlessly offend someone (my personality) and I just needed a few ideas of words to use.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: jez
Date: 2004-01-06 18:58
sfalexi,
you could do worse than e-mail prospective band directors with a link to this thread and see what sort of response you get.
jez
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-01-06 18:59
Why not just write an email that states what standard you play at, what you've done before, and what you're hoping to learn. (Important that. Best not to come across as a know-it-all.) Ask if the band is likely to be suitable for you or if there are any other bands the conductor would recommend as a better fit.
Any conductor worth his salt will tell you if you're obviously wrong for his band. If he thinks you might fit he'll have no problem with you coming along a couple of times to see how it goes. I can't see how anybody can be offended by you trying a few bands to see which suits you best.
The other thing you might consider is whether you would find it interesting to coach the other clarinet players: not just turn up and play, but work with them to improve the section. That might prove more rewarding than just playing the hardest music.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-01-06 19:35
As David Peacham suggested, some of my pro colleagues who easily could play first chair, like to play in bands and sit in the third clarinet section to help the weaker players (rhythms, fingerings, role model, etc...).
They find it immensely rewarding as well as a way to give something back to the community.
A very noble sentiment which is devoid of any ego.
If someday you plan on becoming a clarinet teacher, there is no better way to start. You may even acquire a few students in the process. ...GBK
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-01-06 20:37
GBK, in his comments re: David P's suggestion, says it very well. Our Tulsa Band has that situation where a pro-teacher plays 3rd cl "still teaching", free! , and plays solo cl only when badly needed. I and others make frequent suggestions of band [orch transp] music we'd like to play, which led to Der Rosenkavalier Waltzes, where we worked our way up to its level of difficulty better than I thot possible! Another thot, Alexi, is to investigate the band's need of the more unusual insts, thats my reason for playing bass cl, or alto cl if there is another bass player! Beyond that there are always the double reeds, at my age/ability, only the English horn has any appeal! Lots of opportunity! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: CJB
Date: 2004-01-06 22:50
sfalexi
I think a lot of good advice has been given above.
I think if you are honest with the group from the outset that you want to come along for a week or two to see if they suit you/you suit them no-one is likely to be upset.
Explain in advance what you are looking for and be honest, but not rude about the frustrations you've had in the past. Most band leaders recognise the standard of their band and want to attract appropriate people to the band not those who are going to get bored and leave after a few weeks.
Best of luck, I hope you have success finding a suitable group.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-01-07 01:34
It's harder than it looks to pull a simple chart together for performance.
Getting everyone to play their part, as written,without unscheduled solo embellishment takes rehearsal and committment all around.
Take one all the way through to performance, once, to see for yourself.
*******
I play with a group of retired band directors, and it is VERY rewarding.
If I don't see another circus music chart, it will be too soon.
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