The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: J-MB
Date: 2016-06-24 00:50
So, here is the thing. Last year my band director let me do marching band a year early as a 7th grader. (It is optional your 8th grade year at my school) He also let me participate in our high schools concert band. (My high school is 7-12 combined grades) So i did 7th and our schools high school band. Last year my band director had me sit last chair and cover 3rd, which i was completely fine with. My schools clarinets dont really care as much as some of us do in the section. I basically had to carry the 3rd clarinet section, which was fun at times. This year i will have done marching and concert band for a year and have upgraded my clarinet to an R13, Should i ask my band director to take the chair test and have a shot? or would it be unfair? What should i do.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-06-24 01:06
Fairness has little to do with it. Seating is based on how well you play, and you're 100% right to want to sit where your talent and hard work deserve.
Be calm and courteous when talking to the band director. Say "I think I play well enough to be higher in the section. Please put me down for the chair test."
Then practice major and scales an arpeggios through at least 4 sharps and flats, so you can play them as smoothly as C major. A metronome and slow practice are essential. Private lessons would help a lot.
Good luck. Let us know how you do.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-06-24 01:56
Being a better player is not an automatic ticket to a higher chair. Sometimes a director places a strong player in a section to provide a core of support within the section. Essentially, it's the directors call where he places you, and you may not always be aware of his reasons. It's quite fair to ask, though.
Tony F.
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Author: J-MB
Date: 2016-06-24 02:10
I will ask once school starts. I do take lessons so that must help. No other clarinet does so..lol. I think i will say what you said Ken Shaw! Thank you.
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