 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-09 21:29
Sigh,
Well,
It's time for me to say that I've made a decision not to join band next year as a freshman. I really would luv(this is not a spelling error) to take band, but with my IB courseload next year I don't think I'd be able to handle it. I also don't have time in the summer to take the marching band camp which is required for Band students because I have to take my PE credit and my computer course not to mention family vacations. So, I'm not sure if my choice is the right one but I know that I could not handle doing marching band which is required of all Band students in high school and my courses. I believe I will jump back into the band course in my sophmore year, but until then I need a private teacher (to keep me in shape) in the southern to central South Carolina and from Savannah, Georgia to Atlanta. I really want to pursue the clarinet but I'm sorry to say, that my IB diploma comes first.
A depressed rising freshman,
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 1999-03-09 22:37
Nicole Y. wrote:
-------------------------------
Sigh,
Well,
It's time for me to say that I've made a decision not to join band next year as a freshman....
Nicole -
Don't let it die yet. For one thing, every school I know gives PE credit for band (even if it's not marching band, and particular if it is).
More important, the words you use clearly show you want to continue in band. For example, the Topic you gave your message is a musical one. If it seems like the Death March has begun because you can't be in the band, it's time to reconsider your priorities. A lot of the reasons you give for leaving sound like other people talking. Of course I may be reading you wrong, and it's always your decision to make, based on what's important to you. But let me make the pitch for staying in band.
For someone just going into high school, you write extraordinarily well and show superior intelligence. For you, high school will be a snap, even in the most competitive places. You will be able to carry your courses and play in the band with no trouble. And don't worry about scheduling conflicts. You will be surprised how quickly things get adjusted for the best students.
Music is one of the few things you will do in high school that requires you to think really clearly. You can't "appreciate" an Eb scale. You have to learn to *do* it. Learning to do something difficult through hard work over a period of years is exactly what college entrance boards look for. It's is the very best preparation for college, and beyond.
You can't work just with your mind. The chance to take the work out of your head and into your lungs, lips and fingers is, I think, something you can't pass up. If you don't educate your body along with your mind, you miss a vital part of your development.
Also, it's easy to feel lost going to a new school. The band gives a smaller community to be part of, with a shared purpose and talent in common. The best friends I had in high school were in the band, and most of the smart kids in school were there.
You have to do what you have to do, but base it on what you want, and not what you think other people want.
Each of us has been through something like what you're going through now. I think that I can speak for everyone when I say don't give it up. Those of us who are now out of school remember high school band as some of the best times we had -- where we learned teamwork and pride in shared accomplishment.
The best people are in the band! They're waiting for you to join them. Stay in the family.
Most sincerely,
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-10 01:05
Hola!
Unfortunately, in South Carolina (I have yet to encounter one) marching band is not a PE credit. To get a PE credit you must be in one full year of PE, take ROTC, or take PE in the summer for the priviliged IB students. I believe that I will try out marching band next year, but if it is too much, then I'll drop it until the sophmore year. Thanks for your help because I really needed to be reminded that I'm not other people and that I need to see how it would work out for me.
Nicole Y.
-The rising freshman-
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 1999-03-10 01:16
What does IB stand for by the way? I've been out of school a long time and I don't think this was something we had in rural Iowa.
And Ken is right about scheduling conflicts. For bright, talented and enthusiastic students, a significant number of teachers will help you work it out. They key is to be tactful, let them know you really want to participate, and let them know how much you appreciate anything they can do for you.
By the way, I agree that your posts are well written and would also expect that you will do well in high school. A good command of the written and spoken language is a powerful tool in the academic environment.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Anne
Date: 1999-03-10 01:27
Ok, no offense, but you sound overly worried about this IB thing. I'm sure that you can handle it, and I bet you are a great player.
I'm a junior and I go to a school that just got accepted for the IB program or whatever it is. Personally, I think it's not all that special...AND don't you have to have a fine art course for that IB diploma? And is there a reason why you really want to do the IB thing? you sound like a very intelligent kid. I'm not trying to brag, but I'm at the top of my class and if the IB thing had been offered to me, i would have declined. I'm just using that for an example.
I can't believe marching band is required for all band students. That's strange, and unfair! At my school, there are football players, cheerleaders, and tons of kids in the band that can't march or don't have time (or don't have the desire) to march.
I really think being in band as a freshman is the best thing to do. you'll meet so many people older than you and you won't feel as small and freshman-ish. I had a blast my freshman year and people would always ask me how i knew certain upper classmen.
Good luck in deciding on what you're gonna do! I know it's a stressful time!
: )
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mommaq
Date: 1999-03-10 03:13
I want to put my two cents in here, as well...
My daughter will be entering PV high school in Lancaster PA area this coming fall. Band camp is required for all band members or they are not permitted to play at all at school during the year. No PE credit is offered for it. No monies are offered by our school district for it, either, although neighboring districts pay for it.
At the parent meeting for scheduling of classes (with the principal and guidance group), they stated clearly that if there is any scheduling problems, they will NOT deal with them next year. You choose now...PERIOD. You won't get to change your mind or fix anything that is broken come fall.
Our district pays its teachers the least and is even considering not hiring anyone to replace a retiring beginning band teacher next year...maybe having those in the high school teach the 4th and 5th graders to save money and not raise taxes. YET...we get two more sports teams and coaches added to the roster for next year...GO FIGURE!
How does a parent who has <really, not bragging> good, honest hard-working kids who play instruments get the powers that be to not take advantage of these kids any more??? Not only that, but there is a sort-of baptism by fire into the music program here...everything is kept secret until they get their grips on you and then, with all the $$ invested, you hate to leave or wish you had before you got roped in. Why is the pressure so hard for those of us <and parents> who are trying to cooperate and get along?
I don't think you should worry too much cause your district sounds very understanding and cooperative, but what of ones like mine?
mommaq
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-03-10 03:20
mommaq wrote:
<br>-------------------------------
<br>[snip]
<br>------------
<br>You know what you have to do - but it won't be pretty! The sports folk tend to be well-rehearsed in their methods and they attend (via clubs and such) every board meeting. They end up getting their way.
<br>
<br>You and parents like you have to band together (no pun intended!) and do the same thing - or you'll just keep enduring the same lack of respect. We've been over this in this forum and on the Klarinet forum: in many districts the music department only exists because the sports department can't imagine not having a band! That's the only reason.
<br>
<br>Now, I'm not pro or con marching band for those that want to march, but I'm dead set against marching band as a requirement for every high school musician. However, in my local school district, marching band is required. I've tried to get other parents to join me in getting rid of this silly requirement, but very few will join me.
<br>
<br>Oh well, I tried.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-10 20:50
IB stands for International Bacclaureate(sp?). If you get an IB diploma you have a really good chance of being accepted into a good college, which in this instance is Harvard for me, but it is a LOT of work. You have to complete so many hours of work and I've heard that the courses are rigorous. I can't wait for the challenge!
Nicole Y.
-the rising freshman-
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Rouse
Date: 1999-03-11 01:06
Harvard? woah...you've got your standards high, haven't you? Well, you're not even in high school yet so that's no biggie... And you know what? Tons of schools don't have the IB program going and people from those schools get into good schools just as people from IB schools. The Dean of Admissions probably knows that all schools aren't IB!
I'm not saying Harvard isn't for you, b/c well, I don't know. How many out of state kids do they except anyway? I think the tuition's around $35,000. Good luck and I hope you continue to pursue that idea of Harvard!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Merry
Date: 1999-03-11 05:01
You sound so enthusiastic about your studies which is fantastic. I really have no concept of what the American system for getting accepted in a College like Harvard is but you sound like you have the right attitude to go where you want. Are the fees really that high (we pay about $2000 per year in Australia and repayment are made out of your income when your pay exceeds about $27000 per year - no big stress)? I played my clarinet in my school band throughout high school but it got very neglected when I did my undergraduate degree but I rescerected (sp?) it to relieve stress whilst doing my PhD and I am very glad I did. If you are still getting private tuition and setting your own goals I am sure you will continue to improve and will join you school band when you are able to. You know what you priorities are, stick to them.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-03-11 12:05
Merry wrote:
-------------------------------
Are the fees really that high (we pay about $2000 per year in Australia and repayment are made out of your income when your pay exceeds about $27000 per year - no big stress)?
--
ROTFL!
Private universities/colleges are incredibly expensive here. Public ones vary from free to pretty expensive. U of Michigan (public, great school) is about $17,000 tuition, room, & board/yr for residents of Michigan - one of the more expensive ones. Out of state is about $6000-7000 higher. Michigan State - $13,000 I think. There's plenty more public schools with much lower tuitions, and most are really fine - but the "name" schools really sock it to you.
Uuniversity of S. California (USC - private) is about $31,000 for the same setup. New England Conservatory (private), $27,000. Curtis - no tuition, but you have to get an apartment in Philadelphia.
Hopefully you pay these horrid amounts via parents, scholarships, and low-interest loans - but no matter what you do, it's pretty stressfull!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-11 21:52
Well,
I do know that Harvard is 35,000 dollars a year. I do not mind the cost because a.)my parents set up a college fund for me b.)because I have the will, desire, and strength of mind to attain my goal, and c.)I expect no less than a scholarship to Harvard. I look at attaining my goal this way because you can never say "What if I don't..." because if you do, you are not truly aiming for you goal and not trying your hardest. This is how I KNOW (you will never hear me say if)that I will get into Harvard. I refuse to look at it in any other way.
The rising freshman,
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Contragirl
Date: 1999-03-12 02:31
Okay, this is bothering me. Harvard is a great school, don't get me wrong, but I want to be a composer when I get older, and I have maintained a 4.0 all year and last year too. I don't know about Harvard's music program, but MSU, and CSU both have great music programs. Now, if you want to be something that Harvard is known for, go right on to Harvard. But, don't go to a school just because it's for talented people like yourself, go because it has a great program for YOU. If you want to be a musician, go to to a school with a good music program. If you want to be a doctor, go to a good medical school. I'm sure Harvard has an okay music program, but it's not known for it. Shoot for the stars, you can do whatever you want, just go to a school with the right program for you.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-12 14:35
Hola!
I am not going to Harvard for its music program. Music is my passion, my hobby, I do it to relax, and just to have fun! I am going to Harvard for its law program. I would like to be a lawyer. If being a lawyer doesn't work out, I'll go into computers. That is the reason that I will have two majors and two minors. I am shooting for the stars-a Ph.D.
The rising freshman,
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Meredith
Date: 1999-03-12 22:10
So you want to go to Harvard, huh? Well, I whipped out my handy 3500 page college guide and flipped to Harvard. Costs for 1996-97 were tuition and fees: $21,901. Room and Board: $6995. Personal expenses, books etc.: $2004. Admission Requirements: "Undergrauates come from every state and nearly 100 countries. Approximately 18,000 applicants from both public and private schools compete for 1,620 places in the freshman class. The committee considers NOT ONLY academic achievements but also students' extracurricular talents."
Not to discourage you b/c it is great that you have your sights set high, but also in the college guide, it says that for the class of 2000, Harvard rejected 165 students with perfect SAT scores of 1600.
Being in band would help you out alot when it came time for filling out that application. Possibly being able to say that you were an all-state clarinet player on top of all your academic achievements would make you stand out above the other 18,000 applicants.
As far as having too many courses and not enough time, I am struggling with the same problem. I want to take 8 science courses while I am in high school so I can get some nice scholarships. But I also am in band and applied music. The easy and logical thing to do would be to drop band. But I can't. Music is my passion. I love to play. So I made the decision to stay in band and take summer school and courses by correspondence. We have a university in my town so I am also taking night classes there to fulfill my credits. I took health by correspondence. I am taking world history during summer school and government and economics at night at the college. Maybe you have some of these same options. Instead of taking the computer and P.E courses during the summer (which would keep you from going to marching band camp) see if you can take those courses by correspondence where you can do the course on your own time. Also, see if you can test out of any of your classes. I tested out of keyboarding and world geography. You could probably do the same. So, I hope I have given you something to think about and have presented you some options. Good luck. -Meredith DuFrene, Senior '01
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-13 14:08
Hi,
I just found out that marching band will not interfere with summer school. I have been exploring my options with correspondence classes, but I think I will be able to handle this. Maybe when I'm a sophmore I might do that. I already know what I'm going to do all through high school. I even might go to France for a year during my junior year.
The rising freshman,
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Carolyn
Date: 1999-03-14 01:27
Nicole,
Not to crush your dreams, but maybe you are idealizing Harvard to be better than it is. If you're expecting a scholarship from the college you'll have to have financial need because they don't give out any scholarships based on academics.
A girl from my school got into Harvard last year on early decision and didn't get as much money as she wanted in aid, but decided to go anyway. She had 1580 SATs perfect on the verbal!), was valedictorian, is a gifted violinist, soccer player, ice skater, life guard, etc., but she doesn't really love the schoolnow that she's there. All the introductory courses were taught by teaching assistants and most classes were big. Needless to say, she probably could have been happier at a different school.
Also, the advice from my "all-knowing" English teacher with a PhD: one should go to Harvard for graduate studies or doctoral studies since the undergrads get a little neglected behind all that prestige.
Believe me, if Harvard is your goal, don't let me discourage you, but make sure your find out if it's really a good school for you.
My advice: definitely persue band in high school because I once read an interesting quote which I find to be true: When you are constantly busy, it is easier to get your work done. When you've got a freer schedule there is more time to procrastinate and that's where the trouble begins. Don't doubt yourself and dreams, but don't go overboard with the academics. If music is your passion will you really neglect it so you can memorize all the bones of the human body for Biology? At some point in the near future it will come down to this, and please don't deprive yourself of what you enjoy to do.
Carolyn (the jaded junior)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-14 15:53
No comment. Sorry, I'm really getting tired of being criticized for wanting to go to Harvard.
The rising freshman,
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 1999-03-14 19:45
Nicole Y. wrote:
-------------------------------
No comment. Sorry, I'm really getting tired of being criticized for wanting to go to Harvard.
The rising freshman,
Nicole Y.
-------------------------------
No one is criticizing you for wanting to go to Harvard. They just want to be sure that you are indeed getting something that will meet your goals and ambitions. Haven't you ever bought something that you saw advertised on television, for example, and though it was a fine product did not meet your needs or expectations?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-14 20:48
Hola!
This is the weary rising freshman responding. I am in 8th grade. I will be in 9th grade in Sept. I believe I will go to Harvard, but I might later on decide to go to Yale or Duke! My plans are not in stone! I have yet to seriously look at colleges, I just know that I will go to an Ivy League college even though there are nice smaller colleges.
The very weary rising freshman,
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ben
Date: 1999-03-14 21:33
Nicole, I know exactly what your situation is.
I'm graduating from high school this year. I've taken nearly all my school's advanced classes, and I know how hard it is to fit those classes in your schedule. But I can honestly say that the best thing I did my freshman year was joining the band.
Something to consider - In the freshman and sophmore years, it's pretty easy to schedule the advanced classes you want, so taking band works pretty well. By your junior and senior year though, the IB and AP classes are really hard to fit in a schedule (They are only offered once or twice a year). For example, I had to skip a semester of band last year because it was scheduled at the same time as Pre Calc.
If you have to skip a year of band, consider doing it in the junior year (by then the teacher might know you well enough to make some exceptions).
Before you make your final decision, try talking with the band instructor and some upperclass band members at your school. They can give better tips then anyone else on fitting band into high school.
As for going to Harvard, I wish you luck. I've applied to Stanford and Caltech, among others, but I've decided to attend Oregon State University on the grounds of money.
Best Wishs,
Ben L.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Merry
Date: 1999-03-14 21:36
Are private universities numerous in the States? We only have one in the country that I know of excluding Business Colleges. We had free University education until 1989 and I started in 1988 so I only got to enjoy the one year of it. Local (Australian) students don't have any fees on postgraduate studies as long as they are completed on schedule. One the other side of the coin we don't have hardly any scholarships but with no up-front payments required to attend University all can afford a university education. I wonder which system is more common throughout the world, yours or ours?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Merry
Date: 1999-03-14 21:45
Will you need a PhD for law? Having one is not all that it is cracked up to be. As a research agronomist/aspiring plant breeder I needed at PhD to be employed. Of course the only reason I actually did a PhD was because I was having problems finding employment after completion of my undergraduate degree and was offered a full scholarship for the PhD. I don't feel any different now I have it and I hate being called Doctor, it is so pretentious. Of course you have a long way to go and who knows what will happan along the way, big aspirations are healthy. Just don't forget to have some fun, like blowing that clarinet, along the way.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-03-15 00:12
I will have fun. I look forward to the challenge of school. But believe me, I do have LOTS of fun. I go to the movies, skate, bowl, lounge around, clarinet, the internet, and other things... Oh, and if you know what I am insinuating, you're smarter than my friends.
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Contragirl
Date: 1999-03-15 01:31
Nicole,
Nothing is wrong with Harvard, Yale, Duke, or any of those great schools. Infact, I admire you for having such high goals. I don't know if you're worried about the upperclassmen in high school. If you are, don't be. They don't do anything to us "girls". Most of them are nice.
Contragirl
The sophomore-to-be
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
